It only takes one person to believe in you.
These words truly resonate with me and are greatly exemplified in the connections I’ve made, both professionally and personally. From being an intern to an associate to now a coordinator, this past year and a half has been an introspective journey that I wouldn’t have changed for the world.
During the peak of COVID last year, I thought that my plan to gain work experience before graduation would result in a dead end. Originally, I had an internship to work for Eatwith, an authentic culinary experience company, in Barcelona. Then that internship was cancelled due to the national travel ban – one that was completely understandable. Since the summer was about to begin, internships were filled and I worried that I would have a huge gap in my resume.
Then the best thing happened.
I shared my story about my internship falling through on Facebook and a friend of a friend led me to Julie Porter, CEO of Front Porch Marketing. From day one I felt like I was an equal to an empowering group of women. A team that truly embodies the meaning of fostering growth in one another, professionally and personally. I couldn’t believe my luck!
As an incoming marketing intern, I learned what felt like a million and one things about the marketing field all at once. From jargon to WordPress to branding, the marketing world was my oyster. Before I knew it, the summer was over and I had experience in working not only with one industry but over five – ranging from beauty to education to technology!
Upon starting my senior year at Baylor University, I was honored when Julie asked me to continue working for the FPM team. As the new Digital Marketing Associate, I started working more autonomously on client’s websites, content creation, and branding documents. The workload was more intensive and my passion for marketing continued to grow with each passing day.
Those days quickly became a blur and before I knew it, I’d graduated from Baylor University with honors in May. As a graduate, the next stop was decidedly to get my MBA and hone my digital marketing skills. Although it seemed simple enough, the advice I received through my network ranged across the board:
The first connection wanted to connect me with Omni Hotel & Resorts in Dallas.
The second connection wanted me to work for American Express in New York.
The third connection wanted me to get my MBA at Baylor University.
The fourth connection wanted me to get my MBA at an IVY League University.
And the fifth connection wanted me to re-pursue my interest in working internationally.
What felt like initially one path, quickly turned into multiple forks in the road.
The Fork I Took
Through reflection, time, and encouragement my future path is now clearer than ever. Although I’m truly sad to be departing from a company that has become like a family to me, my newest venture is now taking me to Omni Hotel & Resorts where I will be the new Digital Media Coordinator. I cannot wait to apply the lessons, skills, and insights that I’ve gained at FPM to the hospitality industry. I couldn’t have asked for better guidance than what I’ve received from the women of FPM. Without a doubt, I know what those who work with FPM in the future will see exactly what I have been privy to this past year and a half, a team of ladies with love in their hearts for not only the company’s mission, but for each other.
In Conclusion
I love you ladies! Thank you for always encouraging me to find my aspirations in life. I cannot wait to take on the next step in my journey with ya’ll cheering me on. This company and each and every one of ya’ll will always have a special place in my heart.
