This month we are excited to shift the GEOS spotlight back onto our amazing students by featuring junior Skyy Corral, who is concentrating in environmental geosciences. In addition to excelling in the classroom and in her various internships, Skyy was honored at GSU's recent Homecoming by being named Miss GSU for 2023-24! Learn more about Skyy, her various extracurriculars and being Miss GSU in our Q&A with her below!
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Fort Hood, Texas, but a majority of my family is located in Chicago.
Where did you go to school before coming to GSU?
I moved around a lot because my mother was in the military, but I graduated from Richland North East High School in Columbia, South Carolina.
What year in school are you?
I am a third-year student who started in the Fall of 2021.
What’s your major/concentration?
I am a Geoscience major with a concentration in environmental geoscience.
Which class has been your favorite to take in the Department of Geosciences?
My Environmental Justice class taught by Dr. Milligan has been so captivating and worthwhile.
What is your favorite thing about being a GEOS major at GSU?
The GEOS community is so close-knit and supportive of one another, I am so glad I chose to change
my major because I feel heard and more than just a number.
What are you working on right now?
I have had three internships, all found on the Geosciences email listserv. Over the summer I interned at the Native Botanical Garden at the Decatur campus, the EPA under the Environmental Justice Academy, and currently I work under both the RCE Greater Atlanta and the Atlanta Global Studies Center. My first two internships I completed under the Sustainability Fellowship Program and my most current I am earning course credit. My internships cover different aspects of the Geoscience realm so it has truly allowed me to focus and identify career paths that are meant for me.
What are you planning to do after GSU? How do you think your GEOS degree at GSU has prepared you for that?
I hope to be able to complete some graduate coursework during my remaining undergraduate year, so I can pursue a masters degree in Geosciences at GSU. After completing my graduate degree, I hope to work in the environmental justice realm by continuing my work with the EPA or pursuing a career in environmental consulting. The Geosciences department has exposed me to connections across the world and environmental injustices that need attention. Just as well, I have obtained internships, career-ready skills and workshops that encourage post-graduation success.
Finally, could you share with us the experience of being selected Miss GSU? How was the process and what motivated you to participate in the competition?
The process of Miss GSU started my first semester on campus by getting involved in University Housing. My mentor, Betoyah Dorzema, encouraged me to join organizations such as New Student Orientation, the Student Government Association, LEAD Team, and Panther’s Vote Coalition. I’ve established a wide network through my extracurriculars, but it was the help of the Geosciences department, specifically Dr. Visaggi, that increased my network within the major. I felt supported enough by my department and organizations to feel confident enough to run for Miss GSU. I was given one week to campaign, so I assembled a campaign team of 35 people to canvas and gain support, both in person and digitally. The efforts of my peers and myself proved true when on October 14th I was crowned as the 2023-2024 Miss GSU. It was an honor to represent the Geosciences department, my many organizations, University Housing, military-affiliated students, Hispanic/Latino students, and every person who supported me throughout my time here at GSU!
Skyy (front row, second from left) with the rest of the GSU Homecoming Court