I just wanted to update you on my life adventures as an International Travel Consultant for my employer.

First, I want to say I cannot begin to explain or express how valuable everything you taught me is, even though at the time of learning I had NO IDEA I would end up in this line of work but I am so happy I did. The company I work for is awesome! Anyone who says having a job as a travel agent is dumb, or that there is no future because of the internet has no idea what they are talking about. Working in the industry I can now stress the importance of booking with an agent for many reasons.

Let me tell you how awesome my company is! We do work on salary and receive a percentage of our commission and there is never a cap on what we can earn. I like this because if for whatever reason you have a bad month you always have the salary to fall back on or support you. Within my company there is always room for growth as well. They are a company that supports and promotes their employees and you feel that every day through incentives and awards that are constantly being given out. For example, I did a transfer in my second month of $9000 in commission and I have never felt better recognized or appreciated in my life. We are a company full of young, like-minded people so making friends is easier then pie!

On to the perks! I live on Vancouver Island and for training every Monday for 3 weeks they would fly me to Vancouver on the Float plane from our harbour to downtown Vancouver and set me up for the week in a hotel like the Hyatt or Marriot Residence, and then fly me home for weekends. After about a month of working we had our year end party which took place in Vancouver. Once again I was flown to Vancouver and back free of charge where I got to party with all 1000 employees from our western division. It was awesome! We have staff socials every month where awards are given out and where we eat and party together. They are great at creating a welcoming environment and making sure you feel appreciated. Another awesome perk is staff conference. I just got back form a 3 day conference at Sandals in Ocho Rios, Jamaica....completely covered! 3 days of intense learning and fun with 300 other consultants. They basically shut down the resort for us and they made sure that we were not only working hard. Finally there is Global Ball, where my employer honours their best employees every year by bringing them to a very special location for a very special award ceremony and party. This year it is in Macau!
Anyways I just wanted to update you with what I'm doing because it is awesome! Thanks again for everything you guys did and everything you taught me...once again I cannot express the value of it! (I still hate GDS/Apollo) You guys rock!

Sarah

Hey Guys,

I want to thank both Giannina and Rod very much for everything you taught me and the experiences I had with you during the program; it was an awesome 2 years that I am definitely pumped to look back on. Both of your patient, experienced and welcoming personalities were great and it was easy to learn from you guys. I also want to thank you for the grant that summer; if it wasn't for that bursary I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my goals.

I am officially a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor! I spent 3 amazing months in Utila, Honduras and worked my way up the PADI rankings. I logged my 100th dive just before leaving. I saw a 60 foot whale shark, lots of spotted eagle rays, squid, and nurse sharks. I got to swim through a 200 foot long wreck and do a deep dive to 140ft. I am now able to teach from bubble maker program for kids, up to Dive Master professional level, as well as CPR and Oxygen Provider instructor. I plan on getting some money put away this winter and start teaching around home in the spring, and after that who knows where it will take me- this is a water planet after all.

Adam Morrow

Heather Gawley, Wilderness Therapy Instructor - Pine River Institute

My adventure started in September of 2009 when I started in the Tourism - Travel & Eco-Adventure program on a canoe trip in Quetico Provincial Park. I had always been into the outdoors as a kid and thought myself a bit crazy to pursue it as a career.

Heather and co-worker

This program has opened so many doors for me and taught me so many things; I have to thank the instructors for their constant belief in me and their continued support to this day. The Tourism - Travel & Eco-Adventure Program has given me the life I never dreamed was possible. Thank You!

"Adventure is Out There"

During this program we went on many adventures, trips and hikes. Some were planned by the staff and some by the students. We spent weeks at the Nor’West Outdoor Centre near Thunder Bay, giving me the chance to learn different leadership initiatives and group dynamic activities. We learned about Risk Management and Heritage interpretation as well as everything you would need to know to work in the Tourism industry. The teachers worked with me throughout the program to make sure I had all the tools I needed for success in the outdoor industry. They suggested certifications and courses I might want to take to expand my experience in the industry.

I graduated June 2011 and went off into the world to try and make it as an Outdoor Enthusiast. I started small, I worked as a canoe tripper at a summer camp I had worked at in previous years, and migrated from that to a relief position at the Ganaraska Forest Centre in the fall. I spent the winter as a Dog Sled Guide in Algonquin Park and then moved home and worked as a manager at Joyride150 Indoor Bike Park for a year.

I had always thought "no one works in outdoor recreation full-time or as a career" I am now a Full-Time Wilderness Therapy Instructor at Pine River Institute. I work year round in Algonquin Park with youth at risk. It's an amazing adventure and every single day at work is exciting and different. I get the opportunity to take kids out of their Social Media society and teach them the truly amazing things the outdoors can do for your soul. Every night I go to sleep in a sleeping bag with a headlamp in my pocket, and every morning I wake up to the sunrise on the lake.

Heather Gawley