Meet Bryannah
ASHLEY ROCHEFORT
Last May, Bryannah Day, was named one of six winners in the Baxter Student Ambassador Program, the only travel and tourism student mentoring program of its kind in Canada. Unsure of how she would adjust to new surroundings thousands of kilometres away from home, she boarded a plane bound for Saint Lucia in the fall for her BSAP internship and hasn’t looked back. Bryannah’s boundless enthusiasm and passion turned her six-week internship into a six-month assignment. Now, with a head full of knowledge and a heart full of memories, Bryannah is talking to Travel Courier about what she’s learned and what’s next…
TRAVEL COURIER: What’s your favourite part of working at Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa & Beach Resort?
BRYANNAH DAY: I’m currently working in the Watersports Department. Some days, I work alongside the receptionist, learning about legalities and paperwork. And some days, I’m the snorkel guide and get to spend time at sea. But getting to interact with the guests is most rewarding. I’ve found true joy in adding positively to somebody’s vacation.
Bryannah Day
TC: What have you learned about yourself while at Sandals?
BD: This experience has taught me how to be adaptable. Prior to this experience, I wasn’t comfortable approaching someone and starting a conversation, but now I prefer to be friendly and greet everyone I encounter.
TC: How do you think this experience will shape your career?
BD: Being here in Sandals Grande Saint Lucias’ Spa & Beach Resort has been the most incredible experience, and getting the opportunity to be fully immersed in a foreign country is a blessing. I’m learning something new every day, and am being taught the Sandals standards of hospitality, which I can apply to any future work experience.
TC: BSAP finialist have just been selected from each participating school – any advice for the new group of hopefuls?
BD: Get excited about everything you involve yourself in! Be passionate and everything else will fall into place.
TC: What are your plans after your internship?
BD: This is my first time in the Caribbean, so I am island-hopping for a month – Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago. Upon returning to Canada, I want to work at a tour operator or hotel.
Great advice for the new crop of BSAP. Two finalists from each participating school will present a webinar, and the winner will represent their school as the Baxter Student Ambassador. Winning ambassadors get amazing opportunities to support their burgeoning.
• Profile published in a special issue to Travel Courier
• One-year membership to local Young Skål chapter, plus mentorship from Skål member
• One-year membership to ACTA, plus access to their learning centre
• One-year membership to TIAO
• Invitation to winner’s event at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
• A travel or internship opportunity from sponsors Collette, Contiki, TPI, Transat, Travel Courier or WestJet
Thanks to all of BSAP’s industry sponsors for helping bring the program to life: ACTA, Big Bark Graphics, Chelsea Hotel Toronto, Collette, Contiki, IGTO, Niagara Helicopters, Skål Canada, TIAO, TPI, Transat,Travel Courier, and WestJet.
Get involved with BSAP, send a note to BSAP Program Director, Wendy McClung, at [email protected] . For the latest program updates, visit www.BaxterAmbassadors.com .
Baxter Student Ambassador Program: www.baxterambassadors.com