Volunteering

One of my most cherished moments was celebrating Earth Day as a front desk manager. Our team released live ladybugs – sourced from a local eco-community – into our beautiful hotel’s garden. The sunny day made it even more magical: guests smiled as they watched, and our staff bonded over this small but meaningful act of sustainability. It wasn’t just about helping the ecosystem; it was a joyful reminder that little actions can nurture both nature and team spirit.

I participated in The WORTH Association (Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality), an organization that supports and empowers women in these industries. WORTH promotes gender equality by providing career resources, education, and leadership programs to help women grow professionally and create meaningful change in their fields. Through my involvement I gained leadership skills and built a network of inspiring professionals.

Royal Roads University Co-op and Career Fair, University of Victoria Victoria, BC | October 2022 – March 2023 Assisted with the setup and coordination of the annual co-op and career fair, managing registration and providing support to exhibitors and attendees.

Royal Roads University, Victoria, Canada | 2023-2024 I participated in the canoe landing ceremony with members of the Lekwungen and Xwsepsum Nations. I learnt how to paddle these traditional canoes with a group and also helped plan and carry out the event, which deepened my understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures and traditions. This practice comes from the ancient tradition of families traveling by canoe to visit other communities. It includes a formal welcome, prayers, and the symbolic landing of the canoes. It wasn’t a race but a sacred ceremony. During training, we practiced on the water, also the Indigenous community welcomed us into their lives. Each day began in a circle where everyone shared stories about their ancestors. It was a deeply moving experience, and I learned so much about Indigenous ways. And yes, it was very touching and we were all crying – each one about their own sad or happy story related to our ancestors. 

I organized and participated in the Esquimalt Lagoon cleanup on Vancouver Island as part of a research project exploring whether volunteering can serve as a meaningful travel experience. This event perfectly demonstrates how environmental work doubles as cultural immersion – tourists new to the area not only help clean the shoreline but also receive an educational excursion covering local history, geography, and marine biology. They learn about the area’s heritage while discovering what fascinating creatures live in these coastal waters.

Volunteering gives you unique access to places most people never see. Like a private island with its own helicopter pad and a golf course – a place off-limits to the public. Unless, you’re an A-list celebrity… or an ecosystem restoration volunteer. That’s how I found myself stepping onto this exclusive paradise, not to lounge, but to battle invasive species.