I can’t believe we are coming up on a month of being on the Island. This week was definitely one of the most memorable, and I’m so grateful for the time here thus far. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of learning and friendships made. I am looking forward to incorporating our experiences from the past three weeks into our final projects.
I am, however, already dreading not being able to wake up to the ocean right outside everyday and not having 20 girls to hang out with at all times.
On Monday, a bunch of the girls and I took a trip to a restaurant called Java to celebrate Memorial Day. I think I’m speaking on behalf of all of us when I say everything about this restaurant was a 10/10. It was definitely my favorite place to eat here so far! I was surprised to see that the restaurant was nearly empty on a long weekend, since there is a large population of Americans on the island. My curiosity took me to the Java Instagram, which was actually just as aesthetically pleasing as the restaurant. Although it's well marketed on Instagram, it doesn’t have a huge following. This is where I think a collaboration with Vacation Sint Maarten could come in. The restaurant seems to be a local spot, and broadening its audience to tourists looking for new places to try would drive a whole new range of customers.
Our excursion to Prickly Pear and Anguilla on Friday was my favorite one yet! Prickly pear has to be the coolest beach I’ve ever seen. This place embodied what I envision when I think of the Caribbean, with the prettiest white sand and teal water. In addition to the scenery, I had the best time with the whole group and professors. This was also a great place for me to gain insight and questions to the staff and fellow tourists. I’ve witnessed firsthand how marketing tactics are utilized by Vacation Sint Maarten and companies alike in order to attract tourists. Being immersed in this environment and being able to hear the individuals from Vacation Sint Maarten speak in our class has given me valuable insights into the strategic planning and creative execution behind their marketing campaigns.
A key aspect in Public Relations is building and maintaining relationships, and creating a positive image. During my time here, I have been able to connect with tourists and locals. Whether it is the staff at the hotel, our other tourists on the beach, each interaction has contributed to realizing the importance of effective communication and how valuable others can be to your learning experience. This perspective will help me in my future studies, as I learn about the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in PR.
Immersing myself in a new culture has been a really cool opportunity. Stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the way of life here has broadened my horizons. One of my goals coming here was to improve on being present and enjoying every day, and I hope to continue to incorporate this mindset into my last week here!
- Libby Vodicka
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