25 years ago, I worked for a summer at the National Park Service as a guide in Philadelphia. It was an honor speaking to tourists from around the world about the American Revolution at sites such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It was my first time working in a major city, and I felt so grown up to wear a uniform and get clarity about what I wanted out of a career. As a US history major, it was a dream role!
On that 4th of July, we celebrated the 225th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The park hosted a special event with the president of the United States and Secretary General of the United Nations at that time as special guests, a day I will never forget.
Just a couple months later, it felt like the world completely changed in September 2001. Due to the subsequent war, a hiring freeze was instituted at the National Park Service, and I was not able to work there after graduation. I ultimately decided not to pursue a career in interpreting at museums and cultural sites.
It has been a winding road, but I ultimately ended up doing what I love, which is advising students to realize their dreams! It brings me such joy when my current clients start summer internships and speak to me about how they enjoy the real world applications of their studies and how that plays into what they want for their futures!
