Creating Comfort, One Guest at a Time By Jennifer L. Elder The first time I realized the power of hospitality, I wasn’t in a hotel—I was in a fifth-grade classroom. As a substitute teacher, I walked into a room of energetic students who didn’t know me yet. By the end of the day, they were calling me “Aunt Jenny,” and a few had pulled me aside just to talk. One student whispered that she felt safer with me there. That moment stuck with me. It reminded me that when you create a space where someone feels truly welcome, it can change everything. That’s the energy I want to bring into my career in hospitality. Now 40 years old and pursuing a degree in hospitality management, I bring with me life experience, empathy, and a deep appreciation for the little things that make a big difference. I see hospitality as more than just checking someone into a room or delivering a tray of food. It’s about making people feel at home—whether they’re traveling for work, visiting family, or escaping a difficult situation. My vision is to manage or work within a property that puts people first—where both staff and guests feel appreciated. I want to create a workplace culture where employees are treated with respect, empowered to grow, and encouraged to take pride in their work. When staff feel supported, they deliver better experiences. That ripple effect of positivity is what great hospitality is built on. But I also believe hospitality can extend beyond business. I want to use my position to give back to the community, whether it’s through fundraising events, donation drives, or creating job opportunities for people who might otherwise be overlooked. I’ve seen how much a single community-centered idea—like selling fried Oreos at a local car show—can raise money for youth programs and families in crisis. I want to take that kind of impact further. Watching my oldest son grow through the Disney College Program has also inspired me. Seeing how hospitality is taught at the highest level, and how it empowers young adults like him, motivates me to pursue my dream of leading with kindness and service. Hospitality is about human connection. With every guest I welcome and every team I support, I want to create an atmosphere where people feel they matter. That’s how I plan to make a positive impact—one person, one space, and one moment at a time.