Over the last weekend I passed a big milestone. A year ago Sunday, I "graduated" from ITMI with big dreams of being a Tour Director. During the two weeks of ITMI '06, I learned a bit, made very good friends and joined a fantastic network. A lot of what we learned was "common knowledge" to me but definitely wasn't for most. That may sound like I am patting myself on the back but it is really to point out that I was made to be a tour director. The past year has brought a lot of change for me and I have to say, there is nothing I regret. Of course, I still have some money in the bank right now. From what I can tell, I have been very successful compared to most from my class. There were a few of us that worked for the student tours and four of us went to Alaska but many have worked other stable jobs in addition to trying the touring experiment.
Though, I could never replace the friends I made in college and could barely survive with out them, I am grateful for the people I have met and friendships I have forged in my new career. During my time in Alaska I met many people but three wonderful ladies will be with me forever. Two of them have been to ITMI and though all three are at very different stages of their lives, from different parts of the country and have different aspirations, they are brilliant, beautiful and successful women that inspire me each time I talk to them.
I may still have to get a temp job but I believe that I will be in much better shape come this time next year. A big part of this business is contacts and persistence and the first comes mostly with time the second comes with desperation. Our Symposium conference is fast approaching and I intend to take full advantage of the contacts while in San Diego.
So after a year of change I look forward to next year, which while having less major change, will hopefully bring more opportunities and I remain optimistic that that will include something a little more exotic then Alaska.
Thanks for reading.
6 comments:
I can't believe it has been a year already! I am so happy for you and even happier with the smile I see on your face....leaping is fun!! :-)
Awww ... I have the warm fuzzies! Isn't tour directing amazing! Just so you know, getting a part-time job isn't an act of desperation, but a means to fuel our passion of travel. It also solidifies the major decision we made to kick the mainstream goodbye and say hello to the road less traveled.
Ladies, thanks for the support. Don't know what I would do without either of you.
Remember sitting at a table in Lyon up at the church on the hill and after getting to know you a little better, I suggested you become a tour guide?? Would love to hear from you.
I knew I had somebody to blame for this new life. Apparently, it is somebody in MT. :)
What an amazing transition and year. I am envious of you!
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