Blog
Advice to My Younger Self
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When I was a student at the University of Central Florida – Rosen College of Hospitality Management in 2013, standing on stage competing for the Hospitality Crown, I was focused on my own performance and growth. I was driven, excited, and passionate, but like most people starting out in this industry, I didn’t fully know where that path would lead.
This year, I had the opportunity to return, not as a competitor, but as a judge. As I took in the energy of the room, including the preparation, the passion, and the individuality each contestant brought to the stage, I found myself reflecting on my younger self.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. One thing that stood out to me while judging this year’s competition was how many students expressed both confidence and uncertainty. I remember that feeling well. In hospitality and events, your career path is rarely linear. The roles you take, the opportunities you say yes to, and even the mistakes you make all shape where you end up. Not having a perfect plan isn’t a disadvantage, it’s part of the process.
Say yes to every opportunity to grow. Early in my career, the biggest growth came from the moments I raised my hand, even when I wasn’t completely ready. Whether it was taking on new responsibilities, trying a different role, or stepping outside my comfort zone, those experiences built the foundation for everything that came next. This is an industry that rewards curiosity and initiative. Lean into both.
It’s not just about technical skills. It is about adaptability, resilience, and genuinely caring about people. Stay open-minded and be patient with your progress. Do not be afraid to start small, ask questions, and make mistakes. Those moments are where the most growth happens. Build authentic connections, the hospitality and events industry is incredibly relationship-driven. Every day, I see how critical those skills are. Relationships are at the center of everything we do. The ability to listen, respond, and build trust will take you further than any rehearsed answer ever will.
Stay open. From becoming the first winner of this competition to stepping into a Director of Sales role years later, my journey has been shaped by relationships, experiences, and a willingness to keep learning. Every role taught me something. Every connection mattered.
Connection matters more than perfection. Sitting on the judging panel, this was the biggest differentiator I saw, especially in this year’s winner, Michelle Friberg.
What made her stand out wasn’t just her confidence or her presentation skills. It was her ability to connect. She made people feel engaged, comfortable, and seen, and in hospitality, that’s everything. I saw flashes of my younger self in these students, the energy, the excitement, and the willingness to chase something without knowing exactly where it would lead.
That’s what I look for now. Not perfection, but the spark. The resilience to hear “no” and keep going, to take risks, and to stay committed to growth. Because in this industry, heart matters just as much as skill.
If I could sum it up in one piece of advice, it would be this: stay open to where the journey takes you. It may not look exactly how you imagined, but it will take you where you need to go.
A Full Circle Moment
Coming back to the Rosen College of Hospitality Management this year was truly a full circle moment.
But more than that, it was a reminder of why I chose this industry, and how bright the future of hospitality really is. It was both a pleasure and honor to pass the Hospitality Crown, I can’t wait to see what the next generation brings to the industry.
