Why hotel management? Why hospitality?

So why hospitality? The answer to every single human being that asked me this question will always be the same.

Because I like it.

That's all.

I still remember the time when my parents asked me what I want to study after graduating from my high school. The first thing came to their mind is some boring old professions like doctor or lawyer. But, what went through my brain at that time was I did not like those professions at all although they can really make lots of money. It's not a bad thing studying the boring old but profitable professions but it's the passion that really define what I wanted to study. I still remember the first time I saw Masterchef US on Astro and I told myself :

I want to be like them.

But what really triggered me to study hospitality management was the time when I visited a stunning hotel in Japan. The way that they provide their service to the guests and their professional attitude towards everyone they served...

I just want to be like them.

Before I told my parents what I wanted to study for my future, I talked to my brother about it as he is like my second dad at home. Not because of the age gap, is just he gave pretty good advice sometimes ( He's going to be so happy after seeing this).

The one thing that he said stuck in my mind until now is :

Alyssa, it's good that you know what you want to do in your life but you really need to think about it deeply before making this big decision. But if you are still scared or indecisive, why not pray to GOD and ask him for guidance?

I understand that even if I prayed to HIM asking for his guidance , I still need to make my own decision because it's my future right?

And so, I gathered up all my power and strength to tell my parents the final decision ...

Dad and Mum, I want to work in the hospitality world.

Those 11 words literally came out from my mouth with butterflies in my stomach. That moment was like speaking to the almighty King and Queen of the world. Their first reaction were just staring into my eyes for 5 seconds and of cause, they were not supportive of my decision. They always heard people talking bad about the hospitality world and reality started to hit them when their mind created images of their youngest daughter is going to work as a waitress or a housekeeper that clean up people's mess.

Being a hospitality student, I heard negative comments such as..

There are no future in this industry....
You cannot earn much like doctors or lawyers...
Huh? You will be working with the Bangladesh people, are you really okay with it?

And so much more...

To be honest, what they said were the truths. I worked in different hotels as an intern and a part-timer. There were times where customers scolded me for other's mistakes. There were also time where I did more work than other employees in the hotel. There were moments where I cried alone out of tough times in the locker room...

But all that went away when my employer praised me for my outstanding performance. All the sweat and tears disappeared when the customers praised you for your outstanding service and gave a thumbs up in front of your manager and director. Besides, I experienced tired but happy moments and shared my laughter with my colleagues, a.k.a. The Bangla's ( They are not as bad as you think ) and of cause with the other permanent employees.

There are benefits of working in this industries like major job opportunities and your social network definitely will expand. Some people might disagree with me but the benefits are actually depends on how you define them. It depends on how you see them in positive ways and also how you conquer them.

The hospitality world is not easy. It is a world that filled with drama, competition, action... It is a tough world out there. Whenever people asked me for advice or the benefits of studying this course, I would tell them this...

Please be mentally, physically and spiritually prepare. It looks easy but honey, don't let the look deceive you.

My top survival kit before I start my work is a reminder to myself:

I chose this path and whatever hardships I am facing, I will take it as a lesson and stand back up.

I love what I am doing currently and the smile that I put on every customers equals to a pat on my shoulder stating : Alyssa, good job! Well done! Keep it up!

Sometimes it is okay to talk to yourself . It is not crazy at all to tell yourself a job well done or you have tried your best.

Trust me, been there, done that and am still a happy sane girl making my way towards the hospitality world.

Last but not least...My dear steemians! Good job! Well done ! Keep it up!