5 Questions with: Jackie Carroll

Before joining the team, you were working at RISD Continuing Education as their Pre-College Communications Intern. What experiences from RISD do you see yourself bringing?

 

In the year and a half I was at RISD, I worked in a few different roles, the most recent being their Pre-College Communications Intern. During that time, I was able to aid in giving high-school-aged youth an experience of not only RISD, but of Rhode Island as a whole. With that, I think perhaps the biggest takeaway that I’ve brought with me is seeing Rhode Island through that artistic lens. That means looking at our little state as the biggest source of inspiration. There’s beauty everywhere, from the coast to the cities, and everything in between – sometimes we just have to take a step back to see it. 

 

You recently just graduated from the 2023 CLRI cohort! Could you tell us about your most memorable experience?

 

I have had so many experiences and made so many memories during my time in the program that I am very grateful for, but I would say that the most memorable experience was my first session. It was my first formal introduction to both LRI and my own CliftonStrengths, and I remember walking in that morning a bit nervous and walking out beyond excited for the next session. I loved meeting and getting to know my classmates, and I loved getting to know myself – learning my Strengths and what they meant was kind of like an “aha!” moment for me. There was already a smidge of awareness as to what I acknowledged as “personality traits”, but not necessarily “strengths.” To get the reaffirmation that these qualities are unique to me, that I bring a voice and perspective to the table that can’t be replicated, was really empowering. 

 

As a northern Rhode Islander, what are some hidden gems people should check out? 

 

Depends on what you’re looking for! One of the things I love the most about the northern region of the state is that there are a lot of places to go to catch your breath and get a break from the city, parks and nature preserves especially. Personally, I am from Cumberland, so I have to mention the Cumberland Monastery! Between the public library, the nature trails, and all of the layers of history it has, it is definitely a spot to check out. There’s a lot to learn there, and lots to participate in as the community often hosts a series of events throughout the year, like Christmas tree lighting in the winter and live outdoor music in the summer. Chase Farm in Lincoln is another great spot – they have lots of trails, open fields, and a butterfly garden. It’s beautiful year-round, but I personally love to walk around there during the fall. Plus, scenes of Hocus Pocus 2 were filmed there! 

 

As a life-long Rhode Islander, what drove you to stay and work in Rhode Island?

 

To put it simply, roots and waves. In my opinion, Rhode Island is the smallest state with the biggest amount of potential. There is so much greatness here, and with so much room for that greatness to grow, why would I ever leave! I’ve lived in a few different areas in the state, from South Providence to Cumberland to West Warwick, and each place has come with big personal milestones and big lessons. This state is entangled in who I am, so just having the opportunity to share the love I have for it is more than enough for me to stay and work here. Plus, I LOVE the ocean! I love collecting seashells, I love walking on the beach, I love the fresh air, and I love the sound of crashing waves. For me, there’s no replicating the peace that comes with being on the coast. 

 

You are graduating from Rhode Island College this year! What are you most excited to do after commencement?

 

I’m really excited to apply what I’ve learned. My major was Strategic Communication, which is pretty broad, but covers the professional areas of public relations, advertising, and more. During my studies, a big part of what Strategic Communication meant to me was asking “why?” and working out ways to communicate with a variety of different groups to convey the answer to that big question. It required problem solving, creativity, and lots of deep thinking – all things I really enjoy to do, and all things that can be applied everywhere. In my experience with CLRI, I grew and fostered the skill of asking questions and collecting different perspectives. Adding that to what I learned while earning my degree has really helped me adapt those skills as a sort of second nature, and I’m beyond excited to bring that to my new role here at LRI.