review of working&traveling, 2011
When I was 20 years old, I completed the three month Working and Traveling program in Yellowstone National Park in northwest Wyoming. I worked in the Grant Village which is the smallest and most southern village in Yellowstone. We had fewer visitors and fewer employees compared to other tourist spots. I chose working in the Employee Dining Room (EDR) because of my major, Nutrition. I worked with one chef only. We cooked breakfast for all the employees and supplied lunch and dinner. We got two days off per week, and we also had some special days such as Yellowstone Appreciation Day, Yellowstone Christmas, and Yellowstone Prom.
I loved my job in EDR because it gave me the opportunity to work with a foreigner, to improve my poor English, to increase my cooking skills and to know all the employees, including housekeepers, waiters, and waitresses. Even though I didn’t get paid a lot (employees won’t give me tips), I made many international friends and I enjoyed every moment. Also, I treasured my days off. I took pictures of Old Faithful and other geysers, the canyon, the fireworks of July 4. I went horse riding, kayaking, zip lining, full moon hiking, swimming under waterfalls. I was proud of myself not only because I was brave enough to go abroad alone, but also because I did not give up during the one year of preparation. I had many friends quit even before the end of the preparation. It’s not easy to challenge yourself to experience adventure. However, not every closed door is locked. Give it a push and it might just open! Open your heart and light up your life.
I loved my job in EDR because it gave me the opportunity to work with a foreigner, to improve my poor English, to increase my cooking skills and to know all the employees, including housekeepers, waiters, and waitresses. Even though I didn’t get paid a lot (employees won’t give me tips), I made many international friends and I enjoyed every moment. Also, I treasured my days off. I took pictures of Old Faithful and other geysers, the canyon, the fireworks of July 4. I went horse riding, kayaking, zip lining, full moon hiking, swimming under waterfalls. I was proud of myself not only because I was brave enough to go abroad alone, but also because I did not give up during the one year of preparation. I had many friends quit even before the end of the preparation. It’s not easy to challenge yourself to experience adventure. However, not every closed door is locked. Give it a push and it might just open! Open your heart and light up your life.
Traveling is more than just relaxation for the mind;
It is also an exploration for the self.
It is also an exploration for the self.