Research and Development Center

LAUREN

Year in School: Junior

Major / Minor: Actuarial Science

Extracurricular Activities @ U of I: Actuarial Science Club, National Society Collegiate Scholars

Hometown: The HUGE town of Hinckley, Illinois (2000 people) :] 

Is your hometown known for anything? The Harlem Globetrotters played their first game in Hinckley. On their anniversary, they played in our gymnasium with a capacity of about 500; ESPN came and we were on national television!!!

Favorite thing to do on campus: Hang out with friends, chill at the Union, sit in on random lectures when I am too lazy to walk back to my apartment during my hour breaks between classes.

What do you do in your spare time? I like to read, watch TV/movies, work out and shop.

Favorite Holiday: I am die-hard Christmas fan. I still believe. :)

Favorite Food: Hamburgers. Bread is a close second.

Favorite Movie: Titanic (guilty pleasure), The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, Silence of the Lambs, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Beauty and the Beast and Vince Vaughn movies.

If you could have dinner with anyone from history or present day, who would it be and why? John F. Kennedy- I am fascinated by him. I would like to see what he had planned for our country since his time was cut short. Also, I would like to know how it felt being an icon to America and had the hopes and dreams of many in his hands. Accordingly, President Obama would be my next choice.

Why did you decide to work for the RC? I wanted to work somewhere where I was able to get beneficial real-life experience that also acknowledged school as a priority with schedules. I also wanted somewhere that had a great atmosphere.

What is your project about? I am currently working on a split hurricane premium for homeowners insurance.

What is your favorite thing about working here? I really enjoy the people I work with, the flexibility of the job, and the interesting projects given.

What is the most surprising thing you have learned about State Farm? The work that we do is not mock projects for learning purposes, but is really utilized within the company. Our work is really making a difference to one of the largest insurers in the nation.