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NMSI Blog

Meet Our 2015 Interns

Summer 2015 is here and many fun and exciting things are happening around the NMSI office.  We have nine new faces running around the place and helping the NMSI staff with a variety of tasks. They have a range of interests and talents and we want to introduce them to you!
 
What are your three favorite movies?
 
“Pride & Prejudice” (adamantly only a fan of the 2005 Kiera Knightley version), “History the Story of U.S.,” and I’ve got to say “Pitch Perfect 2”!
 
Describe Dallas traffic in three words.
 
OK (I don’t drive in rush hour). Music. Irrational (Stop lights).*
 
*Ingrid thought by putting phrases in parentheses she could avoid the word count. Creativity points to Ingrid.
 
Favorite sports team:
 
The Texas Rangers! Adrian Beltre is my favorite player. Fun fact: On my birthday, my dad caught a ball for me and now I have 10 of the Ranger’s autographs!
 
What do you think STEM will look like in 50 years?
 
I think there will be more women in STEM. Cancer will be more manageable, not necessarily cured, but way more preventable. And a successful hovercraft will be in use. I think oil production will be more efficient.
 
Fun fact about yourself?
 
I can play the drums!
 
If you could invite three people to lunch, who would they be and why?
 
Michael Jordan, because he’s the best basketball player of all time. Kevin Durant, because I am one of his biggest fans. Phil Knight, because I want a discount on Nike gear.
 
Favorite thing about working at NMSI?
 
The people. I immediately felt welcomed and part of the family!
 
Math or science?
 
Oh, beginners math for sure.
 
Favorite pickup line?
 
“Whenever I look at my keyboard I can’t help but notice that U and I are always together.”
 
Fun fact about yourself?
 
I’m often given nicknames about feet, because I wear a size 15/16 shoe.
 
Favorite pizza toppings?
 
Meat Lovers with a side of ranch dipping sauce!
 
What’s on your Dallas summer bucket list?
 
Work, study and spend time with my son. I’m hoping to take some kind of trip with him, but am not sure where yet.
 
Fun fact about yourself:
 
I’ve been a bartender for the past 10 years.
 
If you could invite three people to lunch, who would they be and why?
 
My grandma because I have vague memories of her, but all of them are great. My sister – I miss her and wish she was still around. And Mom -- she’s still alive and I’m already inviting her mother and her daughter, so might as well.
 
Favorite pizza toppings?
 
I strongly dislike pizza. I get weird looks from people when I say this.
 
Is a zebra black with white stripes or white with black stripes?
 
A zebra is a confused animal.
 
What's one thing you have learned so far from working at NMSI?
 
I have always worked in bars and restaurants so this is a big change for me. This has given me the opportunity to spend more time with my son and learn a lot more about him. I’ve learned to effectively manage my time between the internship, my job, school and my family. I’ve learned a different work environment. Also I’ve learned how to wake up at 6 a.m. and go to sleep around 11 or 12.
 
What’s on your Dallas summer bucket list?
 
I want to see all the summer movies and get fit.
 
Favorite movie?
 
Jurassic World (so far this summer)
 
If you could invite three people to lunch, who would they be and why?
 
Michael Jackson because I love his music! He’s my musical idol. The Rock because he is hilarious and one of my favorite wrestlers/actors. And Jesus Christ. I would have so many questions for him.
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? 
 
Definitely when I went jet skiing in Jamaica!
 
Any nicknames we should know about?  
 
I sometimes go by Bri, but will answer to either Brianna or Bri.
 
Hobbies?
 
I like listening to music and playing video games. I love sports – whether it be watching or playing them.  I like to exercise and get lost on YouTube.
 
Describe traffic in Dallas in three words.
                                                                                                                                                                Hell. On. Earth.
 
If you could invite three people to lunch, who would they be and why?
 
Walt Disney because he created an empire from a mouse. Condoleezza Rice because she held one of the most important positions in the country at a very pivotal time. And BeyoncĂ© because it’s BeyoncĂ©.
 
What’s on your Dallas summer bucket list?
 
I just found out about this Texas -- shaped pool near my house and I’ve got to try it out. Also I want eat all the good BBQ and tacos while I’m home!
 
Favorite project you’re working on?
 
I learn a lot from the blog posts, because I end up researching the topic and want to know everything out there about the subject whether its baseball or ice cream. Currently I'm working on a piece about emotional education, and its importance in the classroom.
 
Favorite thing about working at NMSI?
 
The people have been great. My department has been fun to work with and there is always something to laugh about. Also, the motivational posters in the break room encouraging us to eat an apple crack me up.
 
One thing you’ve learned so far by being at NMSI?
 
Always ask questions. I’ve experienced it from working here; my work has only gotten better with the more questions I ask. I also witnessed it at one of our Laying The Foundation trainings for teachers -- the ones who were asking questions and engaged seemed to be getting so much more out of the program.
 
Describe your typical day at the office?
 
Working in logistics means that I am doing a million things a day. I call and organize catering for events, research hotels and negotiate prices. I cancel and add classes in the registration system as well as send out presenter information forms and welcome letters. I print out name badges and stuff them in their holders...and this is all before lunch!
 
What are you passionate about?
 
Education. I cannot wait to be a teacher in my own classroom one day. My dream is to teach kindergarten. There is just something exciting about being a student’s first teacher ever. I want to help shape children's education and show them that school isn’t boring and that everyone is good at something.
 
Favorite pickup line?
 
Are you from Tennessee? Because you are the only ten ;) I see.
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
 
When I was a senior in high school, I traveled to Madrid, Spain for 10 days on a mission trip during the summer. It was scary but exciting to be in a new place and working with new people who don't speak the same language as you.
 
Is a zebra black with white stripes or white with black stripes?

I think the zebra can be whatever color the zebra wants to be. :)

Favorite thing about working at NMSI?
 
All the ladies in my department who treat me like I’m their long-lost daughter.
 
Coffee or tea?
 
Coffee, but when I say that I mean a hint of coffee with my favorite French vanilla creamer.
 
What are you passionate about?
 
I have a special place in my heart for kids with mental disabilities, especially those with Down syndrome. Once I am older and ready to start a family, I want to adopt a child with Down syndrome. I want to teach them and watch them grow up to be an inspiration to those around them.
 
 If you could invite three people to lunch, who would they be and why?
 
Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and her cats (I’m hoping that each cat can count as half a person). I love Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran more than most people I actually am friends with.  They just seem so cool to be around and spend time with. I also love cats and Taylor's cats always are doing funny things on social media, so why not let them tag along.
 
 Favorite pickup line?
 
 Do you have 11 protons? Because you’re sodium fine. ;)
 
Fun fact about yourself?
 
My cat was on the Cats of Instagram account as a kitten. :) She got thousands of thousands of likes.
 
Describe your typical day at the office?
 
Come in the morning, say 'hi' to everybody and check in with all my friends. Then I check my email. Either I have a list of things “to do” or I get a list of tasks from my boss for the day. The tasks can range from editing and creating answer keys for modules to creating lesson plans (including vocab quizzes and test), reading AP novels and sending copywriting requests to lawyers. And there's never a lack of teacher training materials that need to be laminated and cut! Lunch is always fun, and I never forget my 3:15 snack break with Ingrid.
 
If you could invite three people to lunch, who would they be and why?
 
I would invite C.S. Lewis, Audrey Hepburn and Charlotte Bronte. We’d talk about some great things and eat at Shorty’s in Waco, Texas because it’s cheap and good.
 
Favorite pickup line?
 
Was your daddy a baker? … Because you’ve got the best set of buns I’ve ever seen! Fun fact: I’ve actually used it.
 
One thing you’ve learned so far by being at NMSI?
 
I’ve always know education is important, but I’ve learned the importance of preparing teachers to learn how to teach. For students to achieve more, you have to have well versed and educated teachers.