Lauren is a Coventry native and graduate of the University of Rhode Island's Journalism program. Her love for journalism began when she was a sophomore at Coventry High School where she wrote for and edited the school's student paper; The Entry. She was also a disc jockey and music director at the school's FM radio station, 91.5 WCVY, for four years.  
During her time at URI, Lauren took many different types of journalism courses, but focused mainly on print journalism. She spent the summer of 2010 interning at the Warwick Beacon as a reporter covering everything from budget cuts to high school events to the local cow farm. Lauren is more than excited to be returning to her hometown as the editor of Coventry Patch and having the opportunity to cover news in Coventry the way it deserves to be covered!   Fess up: Politics:  I am a registered Democrat, but after seeing the world of politics in all its glory during the first few years I was legally allowed to vote, I've made it a point to listen to all of the sides before I make a decision and not simply lean toward the party I'm "affiliated" with. Religion:  I was not raised with any type of religion and was always given the freedom to learn about any belief system that I was interested in. Over the years, I have learned to respect many different aspects of several different belief systems that allow me to be spiritual in my own way. Hot button issues:  As a former student in the Coventry school system, I believe that is the biggest issue within the town. I have seen the multiple changes in administration in recent history and the differences that each of these changes have made. I believe every student in Coventry deserves the best education that can possibly be presented to them and I intend on helping this become a reality by keeping the residents informed about the issues at hand.   Contact: lauren.costa@patch.com or 401.369.1676