• News
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Campus Portal Login
  • News
  • Student Life
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Athletics
  • Campus Portal Login

Salve Success: Brianna Easton ’21, social work major

salvetoday Posted On November 6, 2020
0


0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It

If someone walks down the wing that houses the Department of Social Work in O’Hare, they will come across a display where Brianna Easton ’21, a social work major, is selling handmade face masks. Sewing face masks during a pandemic is one small way that Easton has showcased her passionate commitment to helping others, both in her future career as a social worker and on Salve Regina’s campus.

Falling in love with Salve Regina and social work

Easton first learned about Salve Regina during her sophomore year of high school when her older sister was touring colleges. Although young, she was fascinated by the University, and she loved the fact it was close to home with a stunning campus. Easton joined Salve Regina as an education major, but she transferred into the social work department her sophomore year.

“I like being with kids, but realized I didn’t want to be a teacher, so I began looking at other options,” explained Easton. “My mom is a teacher, and one of her friends is a social worker at her school. So I talked to her about it, and it seemed really interesting.”

Easton is part of the Best Buddies Club, which helps build connections with people with disabilities.

What Easton has loved most about the social work major at Salve Regina is the extensive real-world experience she is required to undergo as a junior and senior. “I like being in my internship,” Easton described. “For both junior and senior year, you can go out to different organizations and work with different clients.”

During her junior year, Easton has found a lot of joy working with children ranging from ages three through 12 at the elementary school in East Greenwich. Easton mentored the kids, helping them with schoolwork and anything else going on in their lives. For her senior year placement, she is at Child and Family Services of Newport.

“I am working in the family stabilization unit. I work with a few different clients right now who are between the ages of 13 and 18,” said Easton. “Each family is different, and they all have their own struggles. It is tough to witness that a child is not having a good time at home. Helping them is important, and I want to make sure they feel safe.”

Serving others through advocacy and sewing

The passion brewing in Easton to help people goes beyond her work as a social work major. Easton has been involved with the Best Buddies club since her sophomore year, a club that works to build friendships with members of the community who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and that recently won an Outstanding College Chapter for the State of Rhode Island award. Easton has been developing a strong bond with her buddy Michael for three years, who she says is very talented at playing the piano.

“I like to be involved and think that inclusion is really important,” she added.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Easton’s lending hands doubled as sewing hands. “I had a sewing machine at home just sitting in the basement collecting dust,” said Easton. “When they were talking about wearing masks and how important they are, I realized I could make them. I started making them for friends and family before realizing I could sell them on campus.”

One hundred percent of the proceeds Easton earns will be donated to organizations in Newport like Lucy’s Hearth, the homeless shelter, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. Motivated by the desire to help these organizations, Easton was able to make over 50 masks during the summer. She plans on making more this fall with autumn themed fabric. Each mask takes her around 15 minutes, and she sells them for 10 dollars. The masks are being sold through the Social Work Club, which Easton has been a part of for three years and is now on the executive board as the secretary.

After graduation, Easton plans to work full time while going to graduate school in pursuit of her master’s degree in social work. No matter where she ends up, Easton will always be a great representation of the entire Department of Social Work at Salve Regina—using her passion for helping others in ways that will reach out far beyond her time on campus.

Article by student writer Samantha Tarbox ’22

Salve Success is a series of student success stories periodically featured on SALVEtoday. Check out the tag Salve Success for more stories. 

0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It




  • RSS Calendar of Events

    • Gallery exhibit: Drawing Newport
      Date: Thursday, February 25, 2021 (All day) to Tuesday, March 30, 2021 (All day)
      Dorrance H. Hamilton Gallery

      "John Howard Benson: Drawing Newport" explores the city's architectural landscape through the drawings of John Howard Benson, a lifetime resident of Aquidneck Island. Working with pen and ink,...

    • Senior Summit career readiness week
      Date: Monday, March 1, 2021 (All day) to Friday, March 5, 2021 (All day)

      Members of the Class of 2021 are invited to join the Office of Career Development for a week of virtual career readiness programming designed to prepare them for graduation and life after Salve...

      Contact: Office of Career Development
    • Signature Salve Day: Social work
      Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 9:00am
      Ochre Court

      Signature Salve Days provide opportunities for accepted students to explore their academic interests and learn more about the campus community. These half-day programs include a welcome from...

      Contact: Office of Admissions
    • Signature Salve Day: Administration of justice
      Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 1:00pm
      Ochre Court

      Signature Salve Days provide opportunities for accepted students to explore their academic interests and learn more about the campus community. These half-day programs include a welcome from...

      Contact: Office of Admissions
    • Senior Summit: Networking and making first impressions count
      Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 5:00pm

      Members of the Class of 2021 are invited to join Jean Papalia, principal of A+ Etiquette, for a Senior Summit session focused on networking and making first impressions count. It takes less than...

      Contact: Office of Career Development
    • Senior Summit: Virtual networking reception
      Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 6:00pm

      Members of the Class of 2021 are invited to practice their networking skills during this Senior Summit networking session with Salve Regina alumni and industry professionals. You will have a...

      Contact: Office of Career Development
    • Discussion on the future of U.S.-India relations
      Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 7:00pm

      The relationship between the United States and India has long been complicated. Join the Pell Center and Rich Verma, former U.S. ambassador to India, for a conversation about the relationship...

      Contact: Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy
    • Virtual yoga for alumni and families
      Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 7:30pm

      Join the Office of Alumni, Parent and Family Programs for a 60-minute virtual yoga class. End your day with simple slow movements and positive intentions, clearing space for the day ahead. This...

      Contact: Office of Alumni, Parent and Family Programs
    • Mass
      Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 12:15pm
      Our Lady of Mercy Chapel
    • Study abroad drop-in peer advising
      Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 2:30pm

      If you've already attended a study abroad information session but still have questions, join a drop-in peer advising session to chat with a global ambassador from the Office of International...

  • Browse Sections

    Salve Success

    Health and Wellness

    Mercy Mission

    Arts and Humanities

    Science and Technology

    Event Coverage

    Business and Economics

    Graduate News



Stay Updated

Latest news from SALVEtoday

 

  • Salve Regina University

    100 Ochre Point Avenue
    Newport, Rhode Island 02840 USA

     (401) 847-6650

    (c) 2021 Salve Regina University

  • SALVEtoday Archives

  • Social Media Directory

  • Mercy Emergency Relief Fund


  • News
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Campus Portal Login
Press enter/return to begin your search