I have been
in the Travel business since 1982, and feel so blessed that one day I spoke
with a friend’s father who was a wonderful and highly respected man. His name
was Jim O’Hara, who at the time owned Cypress Travel and was President of the
So Cal PATA organization.
At a
gathering one evening, he asked me what I wanted to do for a living? He knew at the time that I was on an
emergency credential teaching elementary school, and that I had some interviews
with Social Services. But, I had not found full time employment immediately
after graduating CSULB with my Sociology degree and that this was a pivotal life
decision at 23 years old.
Frankly, his
Irish personality was bigger than life and one that made anyone feel at ease.
He and his wife Mary who was of Mexican heritage had 5 children. The love they had for each other, their
family, friends, children’s friends and the Catholic Church was admirable and readily
apparent as they welcomed everyone happily into their homes. I just happened to be the fortunate one dating
a friend of one of their daughter’s Fiancé at the time. But, this conversation with Jim O’Hara
changed the course of my life.
He asked me
some questions, then told me that I should really consider the travel
business. He suggested (about this very same
time in 1982) that I go to Anaheim and
visit some of the hotels during my Easter break from teaching the 5th
grade class, and ask them if they had training positions or any openings in
their Sales departments. For some
reason, he knew back then that I had the character/personality to make travel
my career. I did exactly what he told me
to do and as luck would have it I received a call for an interview. Sadly, I didn’t get that position. But, the
man who interviewed me Joe Toro, the Dir of Marketing at the Grand Hotel in
Anaheim felt I could be a salesperson.
He told me he would refer me to anyone looking to hire and train someone
new to the business. Then 3 weeks later,
I got that call and was on my way to my new career in travel two weeks after
the school year ended. I’ve parlayed
this into a 30 year plus career.
Because of
them, I found my passion! By believing
in myself, God and with the helping hand of two amazing men who took the time
to care about my future I have traveled extensively internationally and
domestically which without a doubt has enriched my life and perspective on
people and the world. Yes, that Sociology degree has definitely also come in
handy over the years. I don’t have a
degree in travel but, sometimes it’s that hands on experience that provides you
the knowledge and wherewithal to succeed in any career along with a lot of hard
work.
I wish I
could tell them both once again how extremely Thankful I am for their
contribution to my life, as I’ll forever be grateful for their foresight and
guidance. Unfortunately, Jim and Joe
have both passed on to that wonderful place in heaven reserved for angels who
did their job well by not only touching my life but, absolutely so many others.
If you know
any young adults who seem lost or trying to get started in the business world
please, take a few minutes of your time to talk with them and ask them what are
their dreams, what do they love to do,
what puts a smile on their faces?
You could be that person’s angel! The one that makes a huge difference in their
life by caring, talking and providing suggestions to them.
Becoming an adult can be a very scary place
when you don’t know who you want to become in 3, 5 or 10 years. Each of us has needed mentors sometime in
life. We are all here for a reason,
let’s try to do whatever we can to lift someone up and earn our wings.
I will
continue to ”Live in the Moment,” living
a life of gratitude, traveling the world
with a passion for new discoveries, appreciating all the love I receive, and awaiting the many blessings that I am yet
to know.
