Being a pivotal member in the creation of the Education Services blog, I was fortunately offered the role of writing the first entry. Below is the introductory blog post.

While I am well aware that it is a cheesy cliche to talk about new beginnings in an introduction post, I am going to do it anyway. New beginnings are not only inevitable as a student and as an educator, but something I, personally, have come face-to-face with more recently than I ever have. I began my senior year of college with the start of a mini-new beginning, I’ll call it. I entered my first corporate setting, my first non-profit, and my first time driving to Providence in a car that has been struggling on highways since its debut in 2008. Much like my deathtrap car, I learned how to ease on the brakes quickly when it came to jumping into my internship at RIPBS Education Services. To be completely frank, television and movies “prepared” my psyche to expect several coffee runs and precious deadlines that would put my position on the line. That was far from the reality of this department. Instead, there was a sense of community, collaboration, and (shocker) taking the time to learn what you are doing. 

The department functions similarly to a student-led classroom. Every person in the department has the opportunity to collaborate and grow from their successes and failures. Education Services demonstrated this when they gave me the freedom to explore their content, lesson plans, and the connections they have to organizations that prioritize the prosperity of Rhode Island residents. As a Rhode Island transplant, I was refreshed by the integration of programs that prioritizes residents who have fewer opportunities. Collaboration and resources run as deep as the community, not simply within the office. I had the gift of learning at a pace that encouraged trial, error, and growth when it came to taking over their social media accounts (and launching this blog). 

Similar to the birth of our blog, I have had to nurture my priorities as an intern and a future resident of “the real world.” If you have recently graduated or begun a new life chapter, you can assume that you will hear the question, “So what now?” This question typically results in your heart dropping to your stomach because you’ve been “too busy” to ask yourself the same. There is trepidation when you enter the unknown of a new job, new environment, or a path you haven’t quite planned. But I argue the best way to calm these anxieties comes from the wisdom you already have – they are just hard to find. 

New beginnings are bittersweet as you do not know what the future holds but you have been gifted the skills of experience that lead you to this point. I have always had a strong love of school and learning. I did not understand that the experiences with my teachers would follow me into adulthood. From the influential to the slightly devastating, the words and actions of educators make the bumpy road to something new a little padded. I still keep in contact with my 2nd-grade teacher, Ms. Kempa, who reminded me of when I would march to her desk to show her that my mom let me wear her lipstick to school, lips pouting, of course. Or recently, an experience with one of my favorite professors during a particularly-difficult semester. I submitted a piece that I wrote for her, admittedly, it was rushed and sloppy, but I was confident I would still get high marks. Before any red marks that signaled run-on sentences or comma splicing (my kryptonite), she etched into the very top of the document, “I know this is not you. I know you are capable of much better. Is everything OK?” In addition to their numerous other students and heaps of ungraded papers, both educators found the time to impart these lessons to me. I learned from Ms. Kempa how to add and subtract 3-digit numbers and how I should be stepping into every room – with the confidence of an 8-year-old girl with burgundy lipstick on. As for my college professor, who had confidence in my work and the mindset to expect more of me, she awarded me with the expectations I ought to have for the things I brand with my name and release into the world. I value these instances now more than ever as I venture into the big, scary, exciting next step that is in store for me and many other graduates.

As I begin my new chapter as a graduate, I have big hopes for my future and the launch of this blog. I feel like a parent sending off my baby to school in a station wagon with squeaky brakes. I know that there are several lessons to be learned along the way, but it will come with interaction and collaboration with others. Join us in the start of a new beginning, teach us something new, or be our pitstop along the way. 

Cheers

Starting from scratch when making the "At Your . . . Education Services" blog, meant I had the unique opportunity and creative freedom to design the website educators and lifelong learners would interact with. Rhode Island PBS utilized the program, Bento, to create its webpages. 

Logo Curation

An element of designing the blog and the website was creating a logo for the blog’s promotional material. Below is a collection of the designs I created using Canva. The team wanted to keep their original Ed Services design and the colors that coordinate with other Rhode Island PBS media.

Final Product

After producing the logos, I presented the logos to the Education Services team in our weekly meeting. There we discussed the simplistic approach we wanted to have for the blog. We came to the agreement that we keep calligraphy on “at your. . .” and remove any additional media.

Landing Page Design

Since the marketing material had been created and the blog was written, it was then necessary to create the website that would host the blog. Like the rest of the Rhode Island PBS website, I was instructed to use, Bento, a website design program.

Website Copy

To tie the website together, copy needed to be written to describe exactly what the blog aimed to do.

Design Format

In order to make the website user-friendly and easy to navigate for students, educators and parents, I reinforced the program’s ability to connect different element of the website in one place for the landing page.

Final Product

Rhode Island PBS has accounts on a range of social media including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Prior to my involvement, there was not a designated individual assigned to their social media, nor was there a plan in place for the direction of their online presence. Throughout each platform, I had the responsibility of creating graphics using the program Canva, exploring resources that PBS had nationally and locally and highlighting advancements for/from Rhode Islanders. Lastly, I instituted the use of online documents that prepared posts and planned them using Google applications and Meta Business Suite content manager.

Facebook

Education Services introduced its Facebook in 2018, and since then the account has received 220 like and 324 followers. Gaining access to this platform meant I could make sharing content that leads to other websites easier and their long-form captions to share more information. Below, my content ranges from curated graphics, the success of URI’s marine biology program and a praiseworthy local science teacher.

The first post explores the local success and exploration of education. It links to a video and lesson plan from their teaching resource PBSLearningMedia. Through this post, Rhode Islanders who follow can gain an understanding of what URI students are learning about ocean exploration and inspire other students interested in STEM.

The second post is a graphic that I created to motivate followers to further engage with Education Services via the monthly newsletter.

The third post highlights Dr. David Upegui, a science teacher who goes above and beyond for his students. Dr. Upegui won the award of PBS Digital Innovator All-Star. Granting the educator this award gifts him tools to integrate more media and PBS resources into his teaching and connect with other honorable educators. Visible in the image is the excitement from the community and Upegui’s friends and families through likes comments and shares.

Instagram

The department’s Instagram has amassed 721 followers since its creation in 2018. Before I took over Instagram, it lacked differentiation in posts and consistency. I integrated graphics, videos and images around 2-4 times a week. Knowing the platform is reliant on visual elements, I attempted to keep imagery with a similar color scheme and theme.

When the blog was officially launched, I created a graphic that served as an announcement and call-to-action to visit the website. I maintained the theme of typically using blue elements and encouraging text. To create the image I used Canva. I closed the post with the hashtags #bloglaunch and #atyoureducation services to garner more likes and to have a tag that can be used when other posts encourage interacting with the blog.

This other post was a part of an effort to post a Halloween-related post weekly throughout the month of October. Education Services relies on its audience of teachers, parents and students. Ready Jet Go is a children’s show on PBS that incorporates science into an animated show for young children. This episode explores red moons during a lunar eclipse. A screenshot of the episode influences parents/teachers to follow the link in the bio to the full episode and student work to accompany it. The hashtags that closed the posts were #halloween, #readyjetgo and #redmoon

Twitter

Twitter was included in their active social media accounts that I had access to. Controlling all accounts meant that I kept consistency among all platforms. Although, Twitter’s short-form text-based website forced me to condense and refine the copy I used for other socials. I also utilized their link and video features.

Newport’s beautiful views, Gilded Age architecture and great spots to eat make it a staplefor New England travelers but did you really go if you didn’t shop?

Newport, R.I., like any destination, is home to great clothing stores but small mom and
pop shops are what make this tiny attraction unique. Void of chain stores that can be visited
anywhere, main streets like Thames are home to clothing exclusive to Newport. Any New
England attraction can offer a Forever21, a Lilly Pulitzer or an Abercrombie and Fitch but stores
like Wish, Bite Me Bait and The Pink Pineapple are the rocks of Newport’s small business
population and are not to be missed during your next visit.

1. Wish Newport, a designer
   consignment shop on 80 Thames St. was nominated Best of Rhode Island by Rhode Island Monthly.
   Wish allows for designer pieces to be purchased at an affordable price. Designers like Prada, Marc
   Jacobs and Louis Vuitton are presented in nearly perfect conditions and the product is constantly
   being updated. Moreover, their modern website allows visitors to access their supply of luxury
   brands to be delivered to your home.
2. The Pink Pineapple on 380 Thames St. is an upscale boutique offering designer
   accessories, clothing and jewelry. Their shop offers some of fashion’s most sought after
   trends like pom-poms, cashmere and jumpsuits. They also have an exclusive collection
   by Stacie Hall along with a number of other personal designers. Interested customers can
   access on their website their holiday collection right now directly from their store.
3. The Salty Babe, a women’s clothing boutique on 391 Thames St. is a retailer focused on
   bringing a casual beach style through accessories, activewear and dresses. Offering
   brands like Billabong, Free People and Levi’s. Customers can shop their high-end brands
   or their individual stylists for outerwear, bathing suits and much more. Reasonably
   priced, young women can shop their style in-store and
   online at http://www.thesaltybabeshop.com.
4. Island Pursuit, known for its casual island apparel for men and women is placed on Thames at 364. Offering name-brand options for any interested visitor, Helly Hanson, Quicksilver and Prada. Island Pursuit is also a sponsor to Cameron Maramenides in the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires. Your home and kids also have options at Island
   Pursuit.
5. Bite Me Bait cemented on 337 Thames St #1, is a brick and mortar tee shirt and home décor shop. Presenting crewnecks, tee-shirts, hats and buoys. Each design is exclusively designed by shop owner
   Jeff Marlowe. The Husband and wife team has had their business on Thames for over 20 years
   and counting. All tee-shirt designs are meant to emulate vintage, nautical companies, their
   best-selling Bite Me Bait shop design is now the namesake of the retailer. Previously relying on
   word of mouth they got a small shoutout on the National Geographic program Port Protection: Alaska. Their designs can be accessed on their website http://www.bitemelivebait.com.
   

Newport allows visitors and locals a distinct opportunity to shop designer-made,
affordable or in-house designed clothes. During these especially uncertain times, the small
businesses of shore towns like Newport need interaction now more than ever. COVID-19 has taken
well-established micro-enterprises down due to a lack of business but with the love of shops that
offer a variety of trends for varying age groups and styles, many of Newport’s best have been
able to stay afloat.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact
Phone Number: (443) 952-0474
Email: catherine.fiocco@salve.edu
Website: http://www.bitemelivebait.com

Newport’s Own Apparel Company Gets a Nationwide Shoutout

NEWPORT (R.I.), Oct. 30, 2020 – Newport apparel company, Bite Me Bait, has its clothing
featured on National Geographic’s “Port Protection: Alaska”.

Bite Me Bait has been delivering their hand-drawn designs on Newport’s main street but are now
getting attention from around the United States. This summer one of their cap designs was
featured on National Geographic’s fishing show, “Port Protection: Alaska”.

Jeff Marlowe, store owner and apparel designer, said, “Years back ‘Nat. Geo.’ reached out
asking if they could use our likeness.” This television debut increased their online sales
dramatically. “Before we would probably get 2 to 3 orders a day and after it aired we started
getting 20 to 25 a day,” said Marlow.

Visitors have also taken a liking to Bite Me Bait’s designs, Google user Emily Spanier posted,
“They’re fantastic quality and the graphics are just what I expected! I will be recommending Bite
Me Live Bait shop to everyone I know”.

To get your own Bite Me Bait attire, visit their website http://www.bitemelivebait.com.

About Bite Me Bait:

Cementing their spot on Thames street for over 20-years-ago, Bite Me Bait has become a spot for locals and tourists to pick up Jeff Marlowe’s personally designed clothing. Their merchandise varies from tees, crewnecks, sweatshirts and caps to interior décor.

###

Catherine Fiocco

Edit: December 8th, 2020

Luxury brand name shopping bags. Carrie Bradshaw’s style. Midge Maisel’s wardrobe. The Holly Golightly and influencer experience that requires no job but somehow affording a grandeur lifestyle. How can we help but not fall in love with the idea of a closet brimming with clothes we may wear just one time?

It is hammered into our psyche. We worship the idea of a splendor, extravagant life most of us work lifetimes to achieve or even afford. Some wait for the end-of-year bonus to purchase the once-in-a-lifetime piece. Others need to hear the screech of the register spitting out a receipt or for their front steps to look like Christmas day once a week. But when these purchases no longer become a necessity, an item that will have many purposes or last, or even brings them joy. It can become a compulsion or an addiction. 

As mental health has only in recent years been given the attention and empathy it has always deserved, many still grapple with the idea of having an addiction. Much less a shopping addiction. But that is not the end for those individuals, there is a chance to get better and steps that can be taken to aid recovery.

1. Identify the problem

This may seem obvious or like a tired cliche, but knowing and admitting there is a problem really is the first step. It goes beyond the television depiction of a maxed-out credit card graveyard in an old shoebox or a dresser stuffed with clothing that they just can’t part with.

“It is a disease of difficulty with moderation” explains Clinical Coordinator and Detox Counselor Abby Holland. “Addiction is much more than just taking credit cards and going shopping. It’s a compulsive habit. So we need to identify those thoughts.”

The process of acknowledging an addiction can be shrouded in doubt or embarrassment as there is still a lot of misunderstanding and taboo surrounding addiction. Holland expresses that there are a lot of options for those struggling with addiction and healing is an individual experience that requires individual care. 

2. Ask for help

Making that phone call, crafting the perfect text, or actually sitting down with another person and asking for help can sometimes be one of the hardest aspects of getting better. 

In Christina Tapper’s piece, “Shopaholics No More,” she explores the experiences of three women who struggled with a shopping addiction. Their stories all bear a striking similarity in their recovery. Each woman finds reward in healthier ways. Two of the three individuals admitted seeking help from a mental health professional to aid their recovery. 

Clinical Counselor, Holland speaks from her own work that seeking help allows addicts to find what best suits their needs. This could be the process of cutting up credit cards, medication, or routine counseling. 

“[In counseling] we need to identify those thoughts and what’s happening up here. In addition to some of those more tangible interventions, one can reach out to friends and family. We talked about that all the time in our treatment centers about how important it is to have people that you trust and building a network.” Holland continues, “There is definitely something to be said in calling a friend, calling a family member, calling someone in our network, because that takes a lot of the power away from some of those thoughts.

3. Break up with social media

Okay, you don’t have to completely break up with social media, rather break up from the idea that what you see is reality. Social media is the boyfriend all your friends hate. Constantly putting you down, you never know the truth is, and you keep going back for the parts that you love. The truth is, once you realize that social media is tirelessly curated to look a certain way and is purposefully unattainable. It turns out you and social media are really just better as friends. 

Influencers post images draped in designer clothes, stylist curated outfits and promote a lifestyle that is largely unrealistic. Their means of getting the perfect appearance are much more than snapping a picture and hitting post.

Luxury stylist and lifestyle blogger, Mia Lupo, has seen it all when it comes to the social media and fashion world. She debunks the idea that all of these influencers and bloggers have an endless, disposable income and the perfect life. In fact, many of them are gifted clothing by brands or use tactics to not break the bank but maintain their look.

“The dirty secret no one talks about is [influencers] buy the outfit, they take pictures in the office and then they return it.” Lupo continues, “Some of the most successful women who are [bloggers], you see them on Instagram and [in real life] they’re just on their phones the entire time. They live their lives through their phones.” 

Recognizing the falsehoods in social media enables recovery for shopping addicts by erasing the pressure to maintain a certain aesthetic, wardrobe, and lifestyle. As easy as it is to click ‘buy’ on the item they are selling you, or trust that these influencers are portraying their life authentically, it negates the time spent quiet the thoughts that say “if I buy this then, I will be that.” Making the dreaded break-up with social media empowers you to have a new, healthy relationship with shopping.

4. Shop with a purpose

So you have acknowledged the problem. You have reached out for help. You had an amicable breakup with influencer culture. Now you are ready to get back in the swing of shopping. Where do you begin?

Of course, recovery means there are tips and tricks that don’t give power to the over-shopper voice but everyone needs to buy clothes. Breaching into the world of retail again in recovery can seem overwhelming. Recovering shopping addicts ready to return to the display tables with unfolded jeans and attentive retail workers requires the former shopaholic to be smart with their shopping skills. 

Lifestyle blogger, Lupo, has a healthy relationship with shopping, advising that consumers do their research, examine the brand’s sustainability, and shop on second-hand sites to avoid overspending. Websites like TheRealReal, Ebay, and Poshmark provide virtually unworn and luxury brand items for a fraction of the price. Researching a brand’s quality, return policy, and sales on your favorite clothing can save you from the dreaded overspending or impulse buying.

 It is also important to remember that shopping or even just browsing can result in a lapse in judgment but they are not failures in recovery. Rather they are lessons in what still needs to be learned, what triggers certain habits and determine what people in your network of support can help in those situations. Do not let the fear of relapsing be the reason to not seek help, let it urge you to be a better you.

“You’re not alone, and that it is normal for this to happen to people.” Clinical Coordinator, Holland explains, “Making sure that you seek the appropriate treatment, and don’t let that stigma get you down from fulfilling your best potential.”

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Kathleen Farley’s office resembled what many cubicles look like as the transition back to the office after a Pandemic does. Boxes stacked. Open walls begging for a picture or three. A handful of nicknacks and picture frames placed upon a desk with a stack of student surveys about coffee cup height. The newly inhabited office does not need those fixtures just yet as the second one meets Farley, her excitement ready to energize Salve students is palpable. 

Hailing from Buffalo, New York, Farley began enjoying the scenery and culture of Newport in July 2021. Only visiting Newport one-time prior in the interview process, she has been able to soak in the oceanside experience. She describes the transition from upstate New York to Newport was smooth as she can find similarities in the close-knit feel residents have in both locations. 

Prior to making the move to Newport, Farley continued her education at her alma mater, Canisius College, where she worked for their student affairs office for 14 years. Receiving a Bachelors in Education and Mathematics, later earning a Master’s in College Student Personnel Administration.

Farley, herself was educated at a Sisters of Mercy High School where she was exposed to their philanthropic efforts and their history. When looking at higher education institutions, Farley knew that she wanted to be an integral part of a Mercy institution as she experienced first-hand their ability to impact students and their community. 

Farley describes needing to flex her creative muscles in order to feel like herself. In her free-time she enjoys photography where she assists friends in taking family and senior portraits, and shooting scenes in nature. Like many, during quarantine, she took the opportunity to take up a new hobby. While working at home, she found herself more and more in the kitchen learning how to cook and refine different recipes. Loving the content created by Bon Appetit, she has begun combining her hobbies and photographing the meals she has prepared. 

Not only is Farley Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Salve Regina but she is a student working to get her doctorate. Through the University of Rochester, she is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy of High Education Administration. Farley understands now more than ever balancing work, cramming for exams, and the dreaded essay pushed until the night before. Her ability to connect with and empathize with our student body will be beneficial to her during her time at Salve.

Where is your ‘happy place’?

I love this question! My “happy place” is by the water. Although I grew up beside one of the Great Lakes, and not the ocean, I find peace and centering when near a body of water. It definitely helps to have access to a “happy place” right on campus! I try to find any opportunity to walk along the Cliff Walk when traveling in between meetings.

What do you consider to be the best advice you ever received? Who gave you that advice and did you follow that advice or not?

I was exchanging email with a friend and colleague at another university during a great deal of transition in my life. She sent me a prayer by a Jesuit named Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin called “Patient Trust,” which ends by stating: “Give Our Lord the benefit of believing that his hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete”. I love that advice because it’s a great reminder that everything may not always make sense in the moment, but it’s important to accept those moments for what they will bring you down the road in life. It’s about learning to find comfort and peace in moments of discomfort in life. 

What are the top five items on your bucket list?

I’m a big believer in having a bucket list for each decade. I started this in my 20’s and plan to continue the trend. That way, I feel accountable in not waiting too long to check the items off the list! The items remaining on my current list are: finish my dissertation, visit where my family is from in Ireland, and enroll in another photography course. 

What is a movie that you can watch over and over again?

I know this is a controversial opinion, but “Love Actually” is my favorite holiday movie and I watch it every year. I stand by my opinion!

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

I draw inspiration from both of my parents. I inherited my father’s dedicated work ethic and passion for reading. My mom greatly influenced my commitment to education and thoughtfulness, especially when it comes to generosity for others.

What is the biggest reward in your position?

The biggest reward in my position are, without a doubt, the connections that I make with students. When I was the Director of International Student Programs at my previous institution, I received a photo of one of my former Japanese students that married an American student. They invited their friends to attend the wedding in Japan. To see my former students from the US, Japan, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Spain, and Germany all celebrating a momentous occasion in life together was one of the coolest things. Knowing that you played a small role in helping them to establish those friendships and connections is so meaningful. I’m looking forward to experiencing those moments with students at Salve!

What was the best gift you ever received? Who was it from?

I’m sentimental and appreciate almost everything that is gifted to me, but my sweet niece recently made me a pillow right before I moved to Rhode Island. It’s now my travel pillow and I think of her whenever I use it. She’s super crafty. 

What do you consider the world’s best invention? The worst?

I think cell phone cameras are simultaneously the best and the worst. They can be the worst when they distract us from living in the present and fully embracing moments, but they can also be the best in helping to document experiences and achievements. One of my favorite things to do with friends on New Year’s Eve is to review and share our year in photos from our phones. 

By the end of your first year at Salve Regina, what is one goal big or small you’d like to achieve?

Taking in information from student surveys conducted at the beginning of this year, I really think about the transition as a first-year, in-person student, or graduate student. I think it’s a really important time now, specifically, not just because I just started this year, but also where we’re at, in the pandemic – coming out of a year and a half, where some students were almost all entirely remote depending on where they came from. I think the needs are different. So what I’m hopeful to do at the end of this year, is to have a plan in place of what that transition process could look like here to meet the needs of our students. I am hopeful that there will be some changes in really positive ways for next year’s program.

Edited: TBD