FIYou: Benjamin Lauren

Name: Ben Lauren

Hometown: Waukesha, Wis.

Job Title/Department: Instructor, English Department

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I teach all forms of writing, rhetoric, research, and related curricula.

Number of years at FIU: 3

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The look on my students’ faces when they learn something new. Also, getting to learn new things from them.

What do you think faculty/staff and students should know about your department?

The English Department houses a very active group of scholars and shows a strong dedication to students and alumni. We are always looking for ways to reach out to students online and have a Facebook page to do so.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

The area behind the MARC building. The lake is quite beautiful and peaceful – it is a good place to recharge the mind.

If there is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU, what would it be?

FIU has some of the most interesting and talented students I’ve taught. It is such a treat to have students from so many different areas in the United States and overseas. It makes for interesting discussions about how rhetoric changes for different audiences.

Family snapshot:

I’m married and my wife is currently pregnant with our first child.

Word that best describes you: Curious.

First paying job: Usher at a movie theatre.

Favorite TV show: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, 24, Miami Heat games.

What is playing on your iPod?

Kings of Leon, Marcia Ball and Cat Power.

Your proudest accomplishment:

I wrote a relatively well-known rock song in 2005 called “When I’m Gone (Sadie).”

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I play music sometimes and read a lot about the influence of new/social media on writing. I’m also a student in Texas Tech’s online Ph.D. program in technical communication and rhetoric. I believe in staying busy!