Professor Jarrett has been in academia for years and has interacted with the local community creating a tremendous impact on those around her.
“I’ve found though that achievements aren’t always measured by awards and plaques. In western societies, we have a tendency to “consume” films and not engage with them. I wanted to help change the way we watch films.”
Professor Jarrett, daughter of Irvin ‘Carrot’ Jarrett from Third World Band, helped start a program called Socio Cinema at her Alma Mater, Florida Atlantic University. The program invites members of the local and the campus community to watch films that the Sociology department that are both entertaining and socially important.
Rain started her career in the Law field and after serving as a legal intern to the Chief Judge of Broward County and seeing the “ins and outs” of the practice, she knew that that field was not for her.
“I knew very early that I wanted to do something purposeful with my life- something that would make me feel that I was making a positive contribution to my community and people’s lives in general. I wanted to be an agent of social change.”
Professor Jarrett takes her Jamaican American culture with her regardless of the geographical boundaries. She says that as Jamaicans, we set high standards for performance in education and she has taken that cultural value with her throughout her studies and work in academia.
“As Jamaicans, our culture is revered all around the world and a part of that culture is to ‘live good with people’. Its a personal mantra that I try to live my life by, not only personally but professionally as well. This has also played a role in my success in my career.”
Identifying as Jamaican-American essentially means identifying with two cultures simultaneously. “Our tenacity and ability to flourish and succeed wherever we are makes me proud to be a Jamaica- American. Jamaican-Americans’ are trend setters, movers and shakers. I’m proud to be a part of that group.”
