ALEXIS S. SALAZAR
BS-International Hospitality Management specialized in Cruise Line Operations in Hotel Services, 2016
Seafarer | Restaurant Attendant -Royal Caribbean International
People around me thought that I didn’t take studies seriously especially during college. Honestly, those were not easy-peasy days for me. I was one of those who struggled and exerted efforts just to maintain good grades. It’s just that it was not obvious because I enjoyed the program that I was taking that time. My gratitude goes to LPU-Batangas because it offered me the exact course I ought to take and make me the best that I can be which also brought me to where I am today.
After graduation, I was ambitious to work on a cruise ship. I told myself why would I procrastinate? I thought I was ready and all equipped to join the ship: a diploma from one of the best universities for hospitality professionals, passport, SIRB, training, and internships. But I was rejected by the first company I tried applying to due to my height and lack of work experience.
My dream, however, did not stop there. I tried to apply to local companies, and every time I stumbled upon opportunities for hospitality professionals I didn’t hesitate to apply. I got my first opportunity when I was hired for a managerial position in the best-tasting pizza store in the Philippines. After a year of being an Assistant Manager, I was promoted to become a Restaurant Manager.
After this, another opportunity knocked—I shifted to another field which was also very close to my heart. I was hired as a Senior High School public teacher. From a Manager to a teacher, real quick! I studied Professional Education, having in mind that maybe this was my calling since I came from a family of educators. I enjoyed teaching senior high students, however at the back of my mind, I was telling myself that this was not my ultimate dream career—the dream to work in a cruise ship continued to linger. I chased my luck on different cruise agencies. Not for a moment in my life did I lose hope until I got hired by one of the best cruise companies. I was privileged to travel Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and a lot more countries and states for free.
I am currently on board as an employee of the Royal Caribbean International under the restaurant department.
Finally, I can say I am not only where I want to be but where God wants me to be and every experience is part of His plan.
As I end this, I want to give credit to my dear alma mater the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, especially my CITHM family, Deans, and Professors. You have imparted knowledge and honed my skills, you also molded me to be a better individual—chasing what life has to offer while reaching my dreams. #ButiNaLangNagLyceumAko #YLP #LyceanLaurel