by Sharon Harms, March 26, 2017

This week I am leaving my internship in Tasmania. Everything about Australia has made me the happiest I have ever been, from the people to the nature and everything in-between. I have learned so much from attending Blue Mountain International Hotel Management School in Syndey and working at Freycinet Lodge in Tasmania throughout this year, it is hard to put it in words. Receiving this scholarship has given me confidence in my ability in the hospitality industry. In saying this, I have been avidly working with the staff here at Freycinet Lodge by training in housekeeping and maintaining lasting relationships with the management. There have been many instances where I have been able to cut back from working so much and go on amazing hikes with the people that I met in Tasmania since I have received this scholarship. I have been able to connect with nature in ways that I never thought possible. I was able to connect with nature by going on a four day, three night hike called the Three Capes (bottom left), also being able to climb Cradle Mountain (above) and climbing the Hazards Mountain Range (bottom right).

I look forward to coming back to Chicago to finish my degree and gain more experience in the hospitality industry. Being in Australia has been a phenomenal chapter of my life and one that I will never forget.