I am so glad Hasbro made arrangements for interns to stay at Johnson and Wales University for our internships because it gave us a chance to really get to know each other and plan activities together. The first week we arrived, we visited the Providence Place Mall every single day because how could you not when it’s only a quick walk away. It’s nice when you make friends with people who are excited to go to an after-work dinner/happy hour with you in the middle of the week. I recommend the restaurant, Blend, in downtown Providence. They have great daily specials, but they don’t split checks so bring cash.

We explored so much of Providence that I think I could convince someone I’m from here if I really wanted to. There’s so much to do that you don’t even have to plan an event in advance. I went to Martha’s Vineyard with some of my fellow interns as a last minute 4th of July trip. And, the food! Oh my Gosh! The food is amazing here. Tom’s Bao Bao is a must because it is a quick, easy stop on the way home and it provides choices for meat lovers, pescatarians, and vegetarians. If you’re pescatarian or vegetarian make sure you call ahead so you know if they have those options that day.

We were also fortunate enough to be able to attend PVD Fest and Water Fire within the same weekend and if that was all I did in a month I would be satisfied. We saw the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at Water Fire and were able to get a clear video of him for Instagram. (If you don’t post it, did it really happen).

There’s no shortage of activities. This was my first time in New England and now I’ve been to Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Canada all while interning at Hasbro. Canada had one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had. It’s called Coaticook and it tastes so natural instead of artificial flavoring. One of my goals is to travel to every state in the US and every country in the world. Hasbro made that just a little bit easier.

Emajja, Hampton University

Global Finance Operations Intern