Lauren McElroy: Research Associate at the University of Waterloo
Name:
Lauren McElroy
Age:
26
Occupation:
Research Associate
Name:
Lauren McElroy
Age:
26
Occupation:
Research Associate
My climate origin story:
When I graduated high school and then again when I graduated my undergraduate degree, I visited Costa Rica for a Sea Turtle Conservation internship. I fell in love with the experience- the turtles, the community, the Pura Vida lifestyle. For sea turtles in the egg stage of their lifecycle, they are incredibly vulnerable from poachers, predators, and climate change. However, the moment these little angels hatch, their strength and wisdom are evident. Within hours of hatching, these ~2-inch-long sea turtles emerge from their nest and head towards massive waves looming with the unknown. And throughout the entirety of their lives, sea turtles continue to experience a multitude of challenges. Overcoming these challenges ultimately demonstrates their wisdom, patience, bravery, and ability to go with the flow; a gentle reminder that we should all try to live a little more like turtles. I also worked as Horticulture Technician where milkweed was seen as a nuisance. It would always break my heart when we had to pull this plant because it is the only species that monarch butterflies lay their eggs on and the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat. In an effort to help the monarch population, I would bring any and all leaves that had eggs on them to my home and to the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory- where the eggs would be cared for from egg to butterfly and released. With the help of some likeminded colleagues and friends, we ended up raising hundreds of monarchs within our bedrooms, kitchens, backyards… anywhere we could! Our frustrations with having to pull milkweed resulted in us reaching out to anyone and everyone who would listen- even the Mayor of Cambridge. Now, Cambridge has dedicated Butterfly Gardens where milkweed is actually planted and cared for! It was heartwarming, empowering, and overall, pretty cool to be surrounded by people who are equally passionate about something that I care so much about… And for those who were irritated by our passion, it just fueled our fire.
A useful skill of mine:
I think that a useful skill of mine is my kindness. Even when I come across people who do not share the same passions, I believe that demonstrating kindness ultimately allows for open and honest conversations to be had. Sometimes people may not have the same passion simply because they may be unaware of the certain topic that you are invested in. Therefore, demonstrating kindness and patience, and creating the opportunity to have important conversations can be a crucial step in your advocacy journey. I believe that it is important to show kindness especially through education. And it is a reciprocal relationship- if you are not welcome at the table, create your own table!
A piece of advice:
Sometimes I find myself in situations where I feel overwhelmed… where my passion for the environment is greater than anything else, really. For example, being given a task (ie. pulling milkweed), and not always following through with that given task (ie. leaving milkweed in places where it may not be seen… by my boss). However, it is important to find balance- instead of leaving milkweed, bring the eggs home. Educate others. Do what you can to complete your tasks, while also protecting your heart and your passion.