Something I’ve noticed about Bridgewater is the sense of community. Everyone tries to help each other. Especially in the communication department, every professor tries to prepare you for life outside of Bridgewater.
Nora Sperling, ’26, has always enjoyed visiting Providence for WaterFire, when on selected nights throughout the summer the city converts its three downtown rivers into a mesmerizing display featuring more than 80 glowing bonfires.
This summer, Nora is experiencing the famous art installation in a whole new way.
The BSU communication major and marketing minor is a development intern with WaterFire Providence, the nonprofit that organizes the experience and operates an arts center.
“I realized it really aligned with what I wanted to do,” said Nora, who is from Berkley and aspires to work in public relations and marketing. “This is going to give me a lot of insights as well as experience.”
Nora helps the organization secure sponsorships and assists with event preparations for lightings. She is putting her writing and design skills to use by developing promotional materials and communicating with prospective sponsors.
“I’m definitely using my creative side,” she said. “I’ve taken digital marketing classes at Bridgewater and been able to use those skillsets to create things for WaterFire.”
This is a momentous summer for WaterFire, which is celebrating the 30th anniversary of lightings that have captivated more than 10 million visitors. The multi-sensory experience blends flickering firelight on Providence’s arched bridges with the fragrance of wood smoke and the sounds of music.
Nora is now part of the team that makes this a must-see Providence attraction. She has even ridden in a boat during a lighting, an experience she once only imagined.
Nora learned about the internship through an email from BSU’s Department of Communication, a seemingly simple gesture that she said is emblematic of the culture she experiences at Bridgewater State.
“Something I’ve noticed about Bridgewater is the sense of community,” she said. “Everyone tries to help each other. Especially in the communication department, every professor tries to prepare you for life outside of Bridgewater.”
While Nora’s internship dovetails nicely with her professional ambitions, she encourages fellow students to be open to trying something new.
“Go for it. 100 percent,” she said of pursuing an internship. “Even if you don’t think it completely aligns with what you want to do in the future, do it. Experience is experience.”
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