The Ideal Leader :

The ideal leader in the hospitality and tourism industry is someone who makes others feel at home, no matter where they are in the world. They are skilled under pressure, speak with intention, and act with heart. They don’t just manage people, they build trust, recognize potential, and create spaces where both guests and employees feel valued. This leader has a shared vision, uses every challenge as a chance to grow, leads from a place of humility, and never loses sight of the power of kindness.

The leader I envision myself becoming is one who champions individuality and cultivates community. I aspire to be a restaurant consultant who uplifts family-owned businesses around the world by blending strategic innovation with deep understanding. Whether helping clients design efficient dining spaces or coaching teams on guest engagement, I want to lead with authenticity, self awareness, and a people-first mindset. I will continue to prioritize balance in my life, honoring both my career and my family.

Goals:

My biggest career dream is to become a restaurant consultant who travels, helps restaurants grow, and still gets to enjoy the performance side of my life. I’ve always known that hospitality and musical theater are both core parts of who I am, and I believe there is a way to pursue a career that lets me do both.

During my college journey, I’ve set three personal goals. First, I want to put effort into building friendships outside of class that last beyond college. Second, I aim to be a leader both at SDSU and beyond, stepping into roles that challenge me and help me grow. And lastly, I want to learn how to balance my love for hospitality with my love for musical theater. Finding that balance is key for me, and I know it’ll shape not just my college experience, but my life.

Five years after graduation, I see myself inspecting multiple restaurants, evaluating everything from service quality to guest experience. Before I get there, though, my goal by graduation is to have leadership experience outside of SDSU. I want to lead in real-world settings, not just in campus roles, so I can step into post-grad life with confidence and direction.

Semester/Simulation Reflection:

Looking back on this semester, I’ve grown a lot as a student and a future professional. When I participated in the event creation simulation, the industry observer told me I did a great job with all of the competencies and called me a natural leader, which boosted my confidence pursuing future leadership roles. My peers also saw me as someone who stepped into the leadership role, but they pointed out that I could be more open to hearing others’ ideas. That stuck with me, and I definitely want to keep working on it. Talking to my mentors throughout this process helped a lot too. They really validated how hard it can be to balance everything as a student trying to break into the industry, and that reassurance helped me feel much less overwhelmed. Overall, I’m happy with how this semester turned out, it helped me better understand who I am as a leader. This class called out areas where I can improve, but also reminded me of what I do well. It gave me more structure in how I think about my goals, and it made me feel more confident about where I’m headed.