Describe yourself in 3-5 words: Observant, conscientious, versatile, candid.
Describe your travel style in 3-5 words: Adventurous, memorable, budget friendly, detail oriented.
Why did you choose to study travel & tourism? My fascination with tourism and travel stems from my love for discovering new destinations. The bustling environments of airports and hotels never fail to ignite my excitement, prompting me to delve deeper into their complex operations. Unraveling the intricacies that enable these spaces to function seamlessly amidst the chaos is a source of endless fascination for me. Understanding the inner workings of these dynamic environments is a passion that continually drives my curiosity.
What is your greatest professional strength? My greatest professional strength lies in my exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking skills, coupled with my adeptness at adapting to diverse situations.
I aspire to pursue a career as either an Airport Operations Specialist or a Business Development Specialist within the aviation industry.
Deidra Rodney
In your opinion, what’s the most exciting trend in travel right now and why? One of the most thrilling developments in travel is the accessibility to new destinations through influencers’ vlogs and short videos, offering us glimpses of places we’ve never experienced firsthand. Additionally, travel influencers and travel agents are sharing valuable insights, tips and deals online, breaking down barriers to accessing new adventures.
What is one thing you can’t travel without? My headphones are an essential travel companion; wearing them while navigating an airport makes me feel like the main character in my own adventure.
How many countries have you visited? Just two.
Name your favorite travel experience so far: One of the most memorable travel experiences for me was visiting Six Flags Over Georgia with my cousin in 2022. The spontaneity of the decision added to the excitement, especially since it was my first time experiencing the thrill of riding roller coasters. The combination of the exhilarating rides and the bonding time with my cousin made it an unforgettable adventure.
What’s on your travel bucket list? My travel bucket list includes Mexico, Puerto Rico, Italy, Singapore, Mykonos, and Australia.
Name your greatest achievement so far: I consider becoming a Baxter Student Ambassador and graduating from Holland College to be my greatest accomplishments so far.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In a decade, I aspire to have earned a marketing degree and be thriving as a business development specialist for an airline or advancing towards becoming an airport operations specialist. By then, I also hope to have checked off most of the countries on my bucket list.
What’s the best OR worst piece of travel advice you’ve received? The best travel advice I got was to stop waiting for other people to give you permission to do the things you want to do.