Hello everyone!
Let’s see where do I start…
Thanksgiving break has come and gone. I got to spend it at my aunt’s house in Ohio. There was some trouble getting there and back (my bus broke down and then it was delayed, so I got an Uber, and then it was delayed again on my return trip, so I gave up and just got a flight), but I made it to all my destinations eventually. Other than that, It was nice to get away and spend time with family. I saw all the nearby town’s Christmas decorations, shopped in the antique stores, and toured several museums. I spent most of my time on the farm relaxing and enjoying being away from the rush of college life for a while.
This past weekend, I went to Boston and stayed at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. It was a trip for my Global Hospitality Leadership class. There was a reception held for some UMass alumni to come and speak to us about their time since graduation and what we, as students, plan to do after graduation. I think this is one of the best things UMass does for their students. If I were a senior here, I would take full advantage of the connections and networking I could do while meeting people who could help me find internships and job opportunities.
Later that night we walked over to the UMass club. We were able to watch the Boston Christmas Tree Lighting from the top floor, it was amazing. We had dinner there, which was done by the same UMass dining program that serves us on campus. After getting several pictures we headed back down and went back to the Park Plaza. I stayed up late talking with my classmates and reflecting on the day. It’s a nice feeling knowing you’ve made good relationships with others and have a group of people you’ve connected with to talk to, especially when you are new like me.
The next morning, we made our way down to the lobby to grab a quick breakfast and then headed upstairs to meet with some leaders who work at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. We introduced ourselves to all of them, and then we were paired off with a few to learn in better detail what they do for the business. I was sent first to the Human Resources department, and then to Sales and Marketing. I was able to learn a lot about what it is that these sanctions do, and I’m happy to say I did learn a lot. I enjoyed Human Resources more than I thought I would. I now understand the reward of patching up conflicts in the workplace and trying to make someone’s day better. While sometimes conflicts can’t be resolved, and people get fired, I think the bright side is sometimes worth it. I wouldn’t be opposed if Human Resources popped up as an opportunity for me in the future. I don’t think it’s something I want as a career, but my mind is open to it now. After this, we walked to the Boston Newbury Hotel a few blocks away. The Boston Newbury was at one time a Ritz Carlton until it changed hands in 2007, so you can imagine the grandness of the place. Everything was elegant and had a warm atmosphere. We were served lunch in the ballroom, and I had some of the best soup I’d ever tasted, I didn’t look to see what kind it was. Our waiter was French which for some reason made me smile and was just the cherry on top.
After an introduction from the leaders here, we were given a tour of what all the Newbury had to offer for those who stayed. I think this was my favorite hotel I’ve toured so far this semester. It made some of the ones I’d been to pale in its comparison, which is incredible considering how nice all the others were. It was so elegant and you could tell it was from another time with the gold railing, royal blue carpets, and dark wooden walls and staircases. An interesting fact I learned was that in the Great Depression, lights were left on in the rooms, and people were instructed to dance in the ballroom to act like an event was going on, just to give people hope and keep spirits alive. A wise trick, and I’m sure it did work. We then went back to the Boston Park Plaza and made our way back to UMass. I enjoyed getting to experience Boston a bit more by walking down the streets and seeing everything up close. Before this, the closest I’d been was the airport.
As far as school goes, finals are finally upon us. The last regular day of school is this Friday the 8th, but since I don’t have class that day it’ll be Thursday for me. After that, I’ll just finish up a few reports and essays before heading back home on the 13th. It has gone by fast and I’m very pleased with my time here so far. Most of my friends I’ve made through the exchange will be going back home, and I am sad to see them go, especially my roommate, she’s been a good friend. I hope to get lucky again with my new roommate next semester while I’m here, fingers crossed.
-Aarah <3
