Skyy Corral
Skyy Corral is the reigning Miss Georgia State University (2023-24), executive vice president of the Student Government Association, a global liaison for RCE Greater Atlanta and — the list goes on and on. Most important, she’s a champion of environmental sustainability and justice. In May, she’ll graduate with her bachelor’s degree and, the following year, with her master’s degree in geosciences. Then, she’ll work to change the world quite literally.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
Tell us about yourself and why you chose Georgia State.
I’m a senior pursuing dual bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geoscience. I was born in Texas, but my mother was in the military, so I moved around often. I was exposed to various cultures, environments and biomes. That became something that I really wanted to study, especially in the aspect of sustainability. I also ended up choosing to come here because diversity, equity and inclusion are values that are very important to me. Georgia State has initiatives and programs committed to those values. Here, I can express my culture to its full extent and learn about others.
You’re quite busy! What organizations are you involved with on campus?
I’m executive vice president of the Student Government Association. I was recently crowned Miss GSU for the 2023-24 school year. I’m a resident assistant [for University Housing] and was an Orientation Leader. I’m also director of cocurricular and partnership outreach for the Panthers Vote Coalition and director of programming for the university’s Lead Team. I’m a student engagement intern for the Atlanta Global Studies Center and a global liaison for RCE Greater Atlanta.
How are you balancing all your activities and your studies?
I got a calendar from my first-year chemistry professor, and almost every hour was blocked out. You fill in what you’re doing every hour — when you’re sleeping, when you’re eating, when you’re hanging out with friends and when you’re studying. I’ve stuck to that my entire time here at Georgia State, and it’s just very routine now. But knowing where I’m supposed to be and what I’m supposed to be doing, holding myself accountable and having that visual aid really helps with handling everything I’m doing.
What drew you to geosciences?
I came to Georgia State as a biology major because I wanted to help people. But I’m not too fond of blood, so that gave me pause. I’ve always been passionate about the environment, always had plants, and always enjoyed hiking and being in nature. From talking to my adviser, I learned that the geoscience major would allow me to help people by working to preserve the Earth’s resources and promote sustainable development goals. There’s always something to be done in terms of environmental justice and outreach, especially in Atlanta, and that’s really important to me.
What’s it been like to pursue dual degrees?
For one, getting two degrees in four years is more affordable and allows me to have a greater range of job opportunities post-graduation. It allows me to challenge myself and get my foot in the door, and prepares me to be more competitive among other graduates once I leave Georgia State.
What are your postgrad plans?
In the short term, I’m applying for community outreach coordinator positions and environmental consultant positions. I’ve had a couple of interviews already. In the long term, I would love to be an agricultural commissioner. If I could become secretary of agriculture for the United States, that would be amazing, especially considering the geoscience behind agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture isn’t well represented by women of color, and that’s something that I would like to change.
