We are pleased to spotlight Audrey Clements who joins the 540Team as our Communications Intern for Summer 2020
About Audrey
Audrey Clements is a rising junior at Nazareth College majoring in communications and minoring in marketing. After college, she wants to work as a Communications Liaison Agent in the FBI and work closely with media outlets. She grew up in Lowville, NY with her parents and younger brother. Throughout her school years, she participated in gymnastics, and swimming and diving. She enjoys hanging out and getting coffee with friends, playing basketball with her brother, swimming, and hammocking.
Tell us about yourself. Where were born? How old are you? How many siblings do you have?
AC: I was born in the Bronx, New York in December 1999. I’m twenty years old, and I have one younger brother, Charlie, who is fifteen.
What is your current major and why did you choose this path?
AC: I am majoring in communications with a track in public relations, and minoring in marketing. Studying communications and marketing gives me the opportunity to learn how to effectively share my ideas, the power to inform and inspire an audience, spark change, interact with others, connect with an audience, and improve my communications skills.
What do you plan to do post graduation?
AC: I would like to put my communication skills to the test and become a Communications Liaison Agent in the FBI. I want to work closely with media outlets through the FBI’s Office of Public Affairs, answer reporters’ questions, write press releases, and promote the bureau through conducting programs for children. My goal is also to travel and visit other countries, and participate in volunteer work.
How are you coping and staying well during this pandemic? How has COVID-19 impacted your personal and college life?
AC: I am coping by staying connected with family and friends through facetime, phone calls, and text; practicing cooking and trying new recipes and playing with our new puppy. I’ve been having movie nights with my family; reading new books; and playing sports outside with my brother. I have also taken time for myself and listen to music and write in my journal. The pandemic has impacted my personal life because I am following social distancing rules, much like everyone, to help keep people safe and healthy. Because of this, my family can’t visit with my grandmother. It has also impacted my college life because I was studying abroad in Florence, Italy for the semester when the Coronavirus spread. My home university, like many other schools, had us evacuate. Because I came from a country that was highly affected by Covid-19, I was quarantined for 2 weeks when I got home. The pandemic has affected how we continue classes: I had to do them online through recorded lectures.
What made you interested in an internship at 540WMain?
AC: I talked with my career coach at Nazareth College, and this internship was recommended for me because of my interest in social justice awareness, educational programs, and community engagement.
What do you hope to bring to 540WMain through this internship experience?
AC: I hope to bring ideas on social media content to interact with the audience. I also want to employ my communications skills and those learned from my classes to collaborate with others on marketing projects, and share a collaborative and optimistic attitude with my team to build relationships with them.
What are you most excited about for this internship?
AC: I look forward to hands-on experiences in aspects of marketing and development, and gaining a better understanding of a small nonprofit organization. I’m excited to use my communications skills and learn more about promoting social justice and connecting with the community.
What do you like most about living/attending school in Rochester?
AC: I like connecting with people in Rochester, exploring the arts district, going to little local shops and cafes with my friends, and seeing how the community comes together for events like arts festivals and social justice workshops.
What do you like least about living/attending school in Rochester?
AC: There’s nothing I don’t like about Rochester. I’m excited to go back! I can’t wait to learn more about what Rochester has to offer.
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of being a full-time college student?
AC: I find that the most challenging aspect of being a full-time student is making sure that I’m taking time for myself and taking a mental break when needed. The workload can be overwhelming and stressful, so I remind myself that it’s important to sometimes take a step back and regroup before continuing with my school work.
What is your greatest fear? How do you plan to overcome that fear?
AC: My greatest fear is not being able to speak up effectively. I care deeply about many things, and I want to find my voice and use it. I plan to overcome this fear by arming myself with information and gaining the confidence to speak up. It’s one reason why I am majoring in communications: I want to speak my mind in a confident and passionate way. While my knees may knock and my heart may race, I will speak out. Empathy is essential for my optimistic vision of the world.
What is it that inspires you as a young professional?
AC: One thing that inspires me is giving back to the community. I want to help and support others. Volunteering provides a chance to garner new experiences and insights, create connections with people, give back and help others, and gain a sense of accomplishment. I believe in the reciprocity of learning.
What advice do you have for those entering college for the first time?
AC: My advice is to not hesitate to ask for help. Colleges have many resources available, and they establish great connections with people who work there. Go to office hours, ask for a tutor if you’re struggling in a class, the staff is there to help. My advice is to also make sure that you take time for yourself and not become overloaded with school
work. Stay on top of homework, but also talk with others, take a walk, watch a movie or tv show, go out to eat, do something that you enjoy and take a break.
If you could go back in time what would you tell your freshman self?
AC: If I could go back in time, I would tell my freshman self to put myself out there and try new things. Getting involved with activities and clubs helps to connect with new friends, and it gives opportunities for new experiences.
If you could wish for a super power what power would you wish for and why?
AC: If I could have any superpower, I would want to be able to fly because I would see views from a different perspective, and I would feel what it’s like to soar through the clouds. I also think flying is really cool!
Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know?
AC: I’m excited to work with 540WMain, learn more about their mission, and gain experience working with a non-profit organization that is inspiring and engaging!
In case you missed it be sure to catch up with Audrey this past week on 540s’ official instagram account (instagram.com/540westmain)
During these uncertain times a 540Monthly Membership ensures that 540WMain is able to create multi-media content, virtual classes, and educational programming rooted in and taught from a social justice and anti-racism perspective. If you love 540WMain consider becoming a 540Monthly member for a little as $3/month.
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