It is our pleasure to share once again yet another update from one of our volunteering students that represented HTMi recently at the RIO Olympics and Paralympics 2016. We thank Ms Zhao Lan for giving an insight into the duties and responsibilities that adds to her continued career portfolio development.

Memories from the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games:

 

A warm greeting to all, my name is Zhao Lan. I am currently studying at HTMi, Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland and my major is Postgraduate Diploma in International Hotel and Tourism Management. After finishing my course in school in June this year, I was luckily selected for the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Only six of my schoolmates and I were chosen, which made me proud of myself and I have my school to thank for this unforgettable opportunity.

When I was a volunteer at the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, my position was at the front desk of the Windsor Barra Hotel, which was where the members of International Olympic Committee (IOC) stayed. I worked for the Olympic games for one month, where my duty was to help provide meeting schedules and information, as well as issuing and handling work phones. Throughout this month, I also had the chance to witness the Olympics’ opening and closing Ceremony, and the women’s final volleyball match. My work also involved communicating with IOC members on a daily basis, who through their high status and enriched levels of experience, allowed me to constantly learn something new. Through cooperating with these members, I was also able to enhance my social communication skills and I believe that every person, who wishes to be successful, should experience various afflictions.

At the Paralympic games my field of work was quite similar to what I did at the Olympic games, however I was faced with various hurdles, as I was working together with the Paralympian athletes. It was a memorable experience to cooperate with handicapped individuals, as they helped me overcome obstacles I had never faced before.

Besides, my work I also enjoyed the lifestyle in Rio; which included seafood, long beaches, lots of sunshine, mountains, and the enthusiastic Brazilian culture. These two months, were such an amazing experience for me; allowing me to really open my eyes and witness a new perspective of the world.

Last but not least, I would like to thank HTMi and more importantly, thank my teacher Mr. Anthony Lack, because without his assistance and support I would have never had this life-altering experience.

 Zhao Lan (Joanna)