A couple of experiences that have led me to where I am now...
Since around the age of six, I have been going to summer camps on the Outer Banks and in the Appalachain Mountains of North Carolina. My parents have always been avid travelers and that passion has been instilled in me, so the idea of summer camp was a huge hit with me at that age. Each summer I would either head to the east or the west of the state and embark on adventures that I would never have experienced if I had not had that opportunity. The people I met, the activities I participated in, and the skills I learned have impacted me in unchangeable ways. I even live with one of my old cabinmates now in Charleston who has become one of my best friends!
From there, I wanted to venture out of the state and experience a different kind of lifestyle for a bit. I decided to join a sailing and scuba diving program for the next two summers in the British Virgin Islands that changed the way I viewed my life. I had the opportunity to live on a sailboat with 11 other guys and girls my age and sail from island to island for three weeks. We were certified in both sailing and scuba diving, interacted with the locals on each island, and learned about the marine life in the waters that we were windsurfing and wakeboarding above. On these trips, I gained an appreciation for nature, culture, and learning that felt extraordinary.
The next summer I felt the need to get an internship and gain some experience in the fashion and design business, the field that I thought I wanted to pursue at that time. I traveled to London to attend a fashion and design program at Cavendish College where I learned how to create a design concept from start to finish. The program was challenging but rewarding, and living in London for the summer was unbelievable. I became acquainted with the city, tube stops, theaters, cafes, landmarks, and pubs. Every morning was a completely different experience and the electric and bustling atmosphere throughout the city was contagious.
Since having moved to Charleston, I have been working with a wedding and event planning company where I learned about various different aspects of the hospitality and tourism business. I have been interested in this industry since arriving at the College my freshman year, and this town has done nothing but further prove to me how delightful and rewarding it is to provide experiences for other people. Living in Charleston has been such a source of pride for me in that I get the best of both worlds; working weddings and events while also being able to indulge in all the restaurants and attend all the events. I will not forget the magic of this place after graduation.
The next stage is in the works but I hope that it will be in Denver in early August. I have been very fortunate to have had such wonderful experiences that have led me to who I am today and I am excited to see what I will learn, see, and do next...
