10 Years Ago: The Summer That Changed Everything
I still remember this view like it was yesterday. The New Yorker Hotel, standing tall and bright, was my home for an entire summer during my junior year of college. I was in New York City, the place where dreams are made, with an internship at IPG Mediabrands. From the outside, it seemed like I was living the dream—NYC, a hotel stay, and a foot in the door at a major company. Friends and family thought I was on top of the world.
But what they didn’t see was the reality behind the glossy exterior. I was broke, depressed, and completely lost. The city that never sleeps was also the city that never stopped reminding me of how far I still had to go. That summer, I learned how to stretch a dollar, how to navigate the grid, and most importantly, how to keep pushing forward even when it felt like the world was against me.
Key Lessons Learned:
1. Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones. That summer, I learned that embracing the unfamiliar is the first step toward becoming who you’re meant to be.
2. Try Something New: Don’t be afraid to take risks. Trying new things opens up opportunities you never imagined. That internship, even with all its challenges, was a door to great mentors! A special thank you to Sonia Riojas for simply existing - you were the first Latina I saw leading, advocating, and supporting your team and ideas.
3. Resilience is Everything: Life will knock you down, but what matters is how you get back up. That summer taught me the true meaning of resilience—an invaluable skill I carry with me to this day.
Fast forward to today, and I look back at that summer not with regret, but with gratitude. That challenging time was what shaped who I am now—a marketing executive with a passion for empowering others, and a clear vision for my future. It was in those moments of doubt and struggle that I discovered my resilience and determination to succeed.
The New Yorker Hotel isn’t just a building to me; it’s a symbol of how far I’ve come.
So, to anyone out there who feels lost or overwhelmed—take it one day at a time. Clarity comes with consistency and purpose with persistence.
#CareerJourney #CareerGrowth
Head of Talent Acquisition | Authentic People Leader | Energetic | Strategic Talent Delivery | Mum
2moWas so fabulous to have you INTERN with us Danielle Naas and Cara York! Cannot wait to watch you go from strength to strength in your fashion careers! We miss you!!! x