By Melissa Chauvet
My name is Melissa Chauvet and I'm super excited to be the
new Durban representative for this year’s recruitment campaign!
I was born and bred in Durban, living on the south coast I
spend a lot of time on outdoor activities. At a young age, while still in
school, I got involved in the hospitality industry as a waitress/bartender. I eventually became involved in bigger
opportunities and was selected to work at a 5-star hotel in Dubai as a
waitress. I grabbed this opportunity
which allowed me to gain more experience and knowledge. Upon my return, I
realised that the hospitality industry, and working in another country, was my
forté.
I decided to join an events company as a hostess for a famous
music artist who visited Durban quite often.
When the Fifa World Cup was hosted in 2010, I was approached to
participate in this event in the form of hosting visitors to our country, and ensuring
that they were offered excellent service.
My brother, Craig joined the Workaway International program
for two years. He planned to return to
the US for the winter program and told me to join him as it would be a lifetime
experience. I didn't hesitate, and my
journey in the US was unbelievable!
I must admit that I was nervous in the beginning - working
at the Country club is hard work and long hours, but having staff who makes you
feel welcome, and who work hard as a team, makes the working conditions
enjoyable.
There are always functions being hosted by the country clubs
– from Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. We even had a
South African evening which introduced the club members to our South African
dishes –and they all loved it!
With some time off, I got to see Miami, went to a Redsox
Baseball game, and also visited Universal Studios in Orlando. Time flew and
before I knew it, it was time to come back home. I made lifelong friends which
I am still in contact with today.
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