This summer, Brooke Gray is serving as the Sales and Marketing Intern at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW). She will begin her senior year this fall at the University of Arkansas, where she is majoring in marketing with a minor in supply chain management. On campus, Brooke is involved in Kappa Delta sorority, SALES Club, WISE (Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence), and Community Against Cancer. At OAW, Brooke supports the Sales and Marketing team with daily operations, assists with closing and move-in processes and supports the business office. We caught up with this busy intern for a fun Q&A to learn more about her. Read about Brooke below.
What are you passionate about regarding your role?
I’m passionate about building genuine connections with people and using creativity to solve problems. I love working in environments where I can make a positive impact through marketing, communication and teamwork.
What has surprised you about working at a senior living community?
Something that surprised me was how quickly I built relationships with residents and teammates. I didn’t expect to feel connected so quickly, but it’s been one of the most rewarding parts of this internship experience.
What is something that makes you feel proud?
I was a competitive and school cheerleader for twelve years and I coached cheerleading for two years. I’m proud of staying committed to cheer even after tearing my shoulder during my final season. The same week I became injured, my group of third grade cheer students, who had no idea I was hurt, surprised me with cards saying I was their favorite coach and shared how much they looked up to me. That small moment reminded me how much it matters to show up for others.
On the weekend:
You can find me spending time with my family and friends, going out to dinner, on lake trips, relaxing with my dogs or spending too much time on TikTok.
What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants?
Hammontree’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It has the best grilled cheese sandwich, and my boyfriend and I love going there for lunch. My other favorite foods are any kind of pasta, Tex Mex, chicken and waffles and chicken salad.
Tell us about your hobbies:
I love going to concerts! I have three more shows lined up to attend this year and can’t wait. I also enjoy spending time in the kitchen, especially around the holidays, baking homemade pies and treating friends to my favorite cookie brownie sundaes. When the weather’s warm, I enjoy heading to the lake for surfing and wakeboarding. But my absolute favorite activity is my family’s annual winter snow ski trip.
Share about your family:
I have three older siblings, a twin sister, two nieces and a nephew. My twin sister is in nursing school at Abilene Christian University, but we are all spread across different states (Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas). We have two dogs, Lady (an 18-year-old Dachshund) and Brody (a 13-year-old Havanese), who both love to cuddle on the couch or beg in the kitchen for food they’re not supposed to eat.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
When I asked my friends, they described me as understanding, selfless and outgoing. I try my best to see things from others’ points of view and to be there for the people I love when things get hard.
What do you hope to be doing five years from now – personally or professionally?
Professionally, I see myself working in Texas, in the hospitality or rental industry, and using my marketing background to create memorable customer experiences. Personally, I hope to be close to my family and friends, with opportunities to travel often and hope to continue learning and growing in new ways.
