5 Questions with Briany

Your internship at Leadership Rhode Island is through the Prepare Rhode Island program,  a summer internship program that helps students develop the skills they need for college and careers. Before you started with us, you went through their week-long boot camp. What is your biggest takeaway from that experience?

 

The biggest takeaway from my Prepare RI boot camp experience was money management and to “Just Do It”. We learned a lot of skills at boot camp, like how to apply our Clifton Strengths to make the biggest impact we can by doing something that we are naturally good at. We also learned how we can work with others who have different strengths than us. Knowing what we can do to thrive in the workplace is important, but what will we do with all the money we get at the end of summer? We needed guidance.

Nevertheless, we were introduced to financial literacy, my favorite part of boot camp. Before Financial Literacy, I didn’t know I had a relationship with money and it’s all mental! This amazed me. I gained an understanding that, if I can change the way I feel about money I can manage my spending, invest in what is valuable to me, and save responsibly. I would be financially smart to use this knowledge going into my adult years!
Additionally, this made me feel super lucky because I felt like I found the magic code. Now, all I have to do is just apply it to my life. Furthermore, this mindset was taught to us by the Fly Initiative. Not only did we learn a ton at Bootcamp, but we sang and danced too! Of course, at first, we were all shy. But then, we just let go and enjoyed our time there. Even though it was just a week, we had memories for a lifetime and new friends we shared it with. So, to answer the question, my biggest takeaway from the Prepare RI boot camp was to take a chance and “Just Do It”!

 

At Prepare Rhode Island, you learned your Clifton Strengths! What are your Top 5 Strengths and what did you learn about yourself after taking the Clifton Strengths assessment?

 

My top five Strengths are Empathy, Arranger, Positivity, Learner, and Responsibility. Before taking the assessment, I felt as though I already knew my strengths. What surprised me was that after I took the Clifton Strengths assessment, Empathy, my number one strength was actually something I’ve been made fun of for. What I thought was my weakness was actually my number one superpower! I wasn’t a sensitive crybaby, I was someone who could sense others’ feelings, value them, and imagine myself in their situation. Being empathetic wasn’t something I should have been shamed for. It is my unique talent. I always felt that I knew my strengths, but I didn’t know the exact words to express them. But now I can! I can confidently say I resonate with my strengths, especially empathy. I also have always loved learning! I strongly believe you can learn from any and every situation. I try my best to learn as much as I can to get the most accurate results and information to have a better understanding of the world and a different perspective. I’m also a very positive person, and have been taught to see the brighter sides of situations and to help other people’s light shine when they are feeling dim. It was also interesting to see Responsibility in my top 5 because I always felt like it has been hardwired in me from being the oldest in my family. I’ve always led by example for not only my siblings but my cousins to inspire them to achieve their dreams. I am happy that I took the Clifton Strengths assessment and discovered my top strengths. I am excited to be more aware of how to use them in the future!

 

What do you hope to gain from your experience, here at LRI, as the Communications & Events intern?

 

What I hope to gain from this experience is networking, a new skill, and new information. Although this is not my future career choice, I would like to absorb as much information as possible to become well-rounded. That’s my goal. Also, to be more involved in my community, have better communication skills (public speaking), and know how to do event planning behind the scenes of an awesome event. Lastly, to take advantage of this opportunity. It truly is a wonderful experience so far!

 

You currently attend the Woonsocket High School Career and Technical Academy. What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Woonsocket?

 

From my short time living in Woonsocket, I would have to say none of my favorite gems are hidden but they are very special to me! Starting with, Cold Spring Park! This is where our Track team practices and it is a really beautiful space for families! Also, Alani’s Boba Cafe has the best boba menu ever! They have a great variety and even better prices! One last gem is the Woonsocket High School theatre. This is where the magic happens! This year, the theatre club is performing the play MAMA MIA! As you can tell I don’t go out much but I love my school and our community! NOVANS 4L!

 

What do you hope to do after graduating high school?

 

After I graduate high school, I would like to go to college to study Political Science and/or Criminal Justice. After graduating and receiving my bachelor’s degree, I hope to go to law school to become an Attorney! I always had a passion for justice and doing the right thing. I grew up watching my family in my home country working really hard to not only protect and provide for us but for our country, the Dominican Republic. We moved here for more opportunities. I want to not only excel in my family’s expectations of me but also protect and inspire the new generation and give them a home where justice is actually served and we all can thrive! Inspiring the youth, and giving them a voice is my biggest goal.