Ivy Wood - #MYNSMHSTORY

Meet Ivy, our Spring Community Service Director! She is currently studying abroad in Chur, Switzerland. Check out the post below to see some of her NSMH memories and a look into her time abroad.

Name: Ivy Wood

Emphasis: Hotel Management

Expected Graduation: May 2018

Hometown: New Paltz, New York

1. Who or what inspired you to get involved with NSMH?

Sitting on “the couch” in the HTM office at SDSU was my big inspiration! The couch is a place where all HTM students are welcome to go, and I strongly suggest doing so! It is a place to meet new people that encourage you to always be your best, learn about events and how to participate, get advice, enjoy a good laugh and much more! Students and faculty are always present, and they were the ones who provided me with the extra nudge I needed to get involved!

(Ivy mentoring High School Students during a High School Outreach Session)

2. What is the best memory you have that involves NSMH? There are so many, how can I narrow it down to just one?! If I must, I would have to say Nationals. I was not only able to make connections with potential employers, but I bonded with other students from SDSU and all over America! We laughed together, we danced together, we even cried together! The relationships I formed because I went on this trip will last a lifetime, and for this I will be forever thankful!

(Ivy with members of other NSMH chapters at Nationals!)

(Nationals Awards Gala)

3. What opportunities have you gained through NSMH? NSMH has brought me closer to my professional goals than I ever imagined! I had the opportunity to compete in the Mr. & Mrs. HTM talent show, and because I won, I was given the opportunity to attend nationals for free AND be a delegate for the NSMH national election! As a delegate, I had the opportunity to enjoy a private lunch with numerous leaders in the hospitality industry, represent SDSU, and make a difference in the NSMH community. Due to attending the lunch, I also had the opportunity to engage one-on- one with the leaders in the industry, where I asked questions that interested me and received valuable insight. Can you see the connections?! One opportunity always leads to another, and another, and another!

(Ivy with Cyrus Stitzel, our 2016 Mr. and Ms. HTM Winners!)

4. What are you going to contribute to the organization as a board member? 3 P’s! Passion, Pride and Personality! But as Mia Hamm said, “I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.”

5. What is the best piece advice you have to give? Be open minded for new opportunities and TAKE THEM! Always say yes, and afterwards, say thanks! Also, sit on the couch, go to events, go on trips, attend meetings, give back to your community, ask for help, be yourself, wear a smile, make eye contact, dress professionally as often as possible (you never know who you will meet or when!), give a firm handshake, keep in mind your reputation starts now, start practicing your interview skills early (The Big Interview is an excellent source), research beforehand and prepare questions in advance when meeting industry experts, be early for functions, and recognize that you are always being watched so put your best foot forward 24/7 in real life and online!

6. What is the best part of studying abroad in your opinion so far? I am living with other students from China, Finland, Ukraine, Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain and of course Switzerland! Therefore, the best part of studying abroad is being immersed in new cultures, value systems and ways of life!