Lauren Casey: I've Always Loved The Weather

By Lauren Casey

Ever since I was a young girl, I always loved the weather.

My passion was first fed by science-themed books by author Seymour Simon; 'Tornadoes', 'Hurricanes', 'Earthquakes'...I could not get enough. And I am grateful to have a career as an adult that allows me to indulge in and share that passion every day.

I find it fascinating, the dichotomous scope and impact of weather; from a causal topic of conversation with a passer-by to an unbridled force capable of bringing major cities to a halt or turning the tides of wars.

Weather is beautiful as is weather destructive. I love having the opportunity to teach people about the science of weather that yields such beauty and to understand why weather can at times be so dangerous.

One of my favorite parts of my job entails visiting elementary schools to speak to students about meteorology--to witness their enthusiastic and interested faces in the audience.

Often times, I receive hand-made thank you cards from students after a visit, and to read that a student learned something new about weather, that a passion for science was ignited, is so rewarding.

I can think of nothing better than reading a card from a 3rd grader that states; "when I grow up, I want to be a 'meteorologist too."