Graduating high school during the peak of COVID-19 in 2020 left me feeling a little lost. There was no celebration, no closure, and an overwhelming sense of “what now?” Luckily, I had college to focus on. I studied Mass Communication at the College of Charleston, where I learned the importance of human connection, and (after hours in spent in the library) received my bachelors degree.
After I graduated in 2023, I didn’t feel ready to settle down into a typical 9-to-5. Instead, I followed my curiosity and love for travel and began volunteering around the world. I bartended at a hostel in Costa Rica, where I got to engage with travelers from across the globe and practice my Spanish. In Guatemala, I spent weeks working on a horse ranch, caring for animals and helping guests staying on the finca. A few months later, I found myself at a dog rescue in the south of Portugal, making sure over 50 animals were fed, medicated, and cared for every single day.
These experiences taught me more than any classroom could. I learned how to adapt to new environments, step up when needed, and lead with patience and compassion. From mixing drinks behind the bar to managing animal care schedules, every role required flexibility, focus, and a whole lot of heart. Volunteering gave me some of my best most unexpected memories, however i realized traveling without pay was not sustainable as i had previously been traveling for 3 months, and then going home to work for 3 months.
It was during this time that I stumbled across the world of yachting. Something about it felt like a perfect fit. I love the idea of structured service mixed with global adventure. I realized I already had so many of the foundational skills and mindset needed for the job. I’m ready to exchange landlocked jobs for life at sea, and finally get paid for the hard work I love doing. I grew up with my parents having all types of boats which aided to the foundation needed in this career.