“Good learning environments teach you how to think critically – how to question, how to seek understanding, how to look at something from multiple perspectives, how to put things in context. Look at the political and social challenges we are facing right now and how many of them can be connected to lack of education. Education is important to individuals and to communities.”
Jori is a woman of many talents. She is the Assistant Director of Academic Programs with a focus on engaged scholarship at the Sweater Center for Public Service at Brown University, runs the community arts space 186 Carpenter, teaches at the RISD Museum, plays bass drum, and is a board member at Community MusicWorks! Read her interview below!
Could you tell me a little about yourself?
I grew up in the midwest but came to Providence in 1998 for college. In college, I spent as much time off-campus as possible, working with local education organizations and schools. By the time I graduated, I had started to develop roots in Providence. I left for a year after graduation, but I missed Providence and ended up coming right back. I’ve been here ever since! I love it.
What was your educational journey like?
I went to a public high school in Wisconsin, and then came to Providence for college. I have not pursued further academic degrees, but when I want to know more about something I will take a continuing education course, organize an informal education groups with friends, attend workshops led by people who have first-hand knowledge about the topic at hand, or simply invest time and energy into reading, observing, listening, and asking questions about whatever it is I want to learn about. While I greatly value my college degree and believe that all young people should absolutely have the opportunity to pursue a college education, education for me is not only about university-facilitated programs.
What moved you to donate to CV?
I have been fortunate to know and to work with young people who have been supported by CV on their paths to college and beyond. I have seen up close the absolutely invaluable role CV has played in their lives. I have also spent time hanging out at the (super fun, super positive, super active!) CV space as a mock interview volunteer, have participated in workshops led by CV staff, and every year I look forward to reading the collection of college essays CV publishes. These experiences have affirmed for me the value of CV for the young people of Providence and the importance of donors in sustaining this vital organization.
Do you think CV is an Important resource to the community and why?
Navigating the college application process is really hard. Once accepted, attending and staying in college can also be really hard! Everyone needs support, but not everyone has access to school and/or family resources. CV plays an absolutely essential role for students who need this support.
College Visions is made stronger everyday by the people who support us. I want to give a special thank you to Jori for her continuous support of first-generation students and their journey to and through college. We are proud to have you on our side!
