Be inspired: ‘ITC made me more understanding and inclusive’

Posted on 26/03/2019 by Jess O'Connor

Welcome back to the ITC Blog. We took a break from publishing content last week in the aftermath of the Christchurch terrorist attack. Our hearts go out to all the victims and their families, and we stand with the Muslim community of Christchurch and New Zealand during this challenging time.

We feel that, now more than ever, it’s important to share stories of hope, resilience, leadership, and community, so we are proud to publish this week’s blog post about one of our most inspirational students, Crissy Briggs. Below, Crissy shares her story of overcoming adversity to become “the leader she always wanted to be”. We are so proud of Crissy and we hope you enjoy reading about her journey.

Some people see studying as a ‘means to an end’ – something you need to do to get a good job.

But studying gives you so much more than just a qualification. Studying can also help boost your confidence, increase your understanding of the world, and improve your communication skills.

This was certainly the case for Crissy Briggs. Crissy says studying at ITC changed her into “a more open, understanding, and sympathetic person”.

“Studying at ITC turned me into the leader I’d always wanted to be and brought out a side of me that wanted to come out for so long but wasn’t sure how to,” explains Crissy.

“When I first studying at ITC, I was quite reserved and kept to myself. The person I am today is outgoing yet level-headed, fun-loving yet driven, and approachable yet authoritative. I try to be more inclusive with other people as well.”

Crissy completed both the Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications at ITC, spending a year studying at the City Campus. During this time, she faced several personal challenges, including a very major loss, but she says the support from her classmates and tutors helped her continue towards her goals.

“Throughout the time I was studying, I went through so many obstacles,” she explains.

“I am proud of how far I have come and none of it would have been possible without the help and constant support of the staff at ITC.”

Crissy first discovered ITC and the exciting world of travel and tourism when she was a student at Kelston Girls College. Her tourism teacher used ITC textbooks in the classroom and she heard a lot of students talk about how fun the industry is and how many jobs are available.

She says choosing to study at ITC felt like a big step and she was anxious at first, but if she could go back to talk to her younger self on the first day she would give herself some clear advice.

“I would tell my younger self: Stop doubting yourself, you made the right choice. Trust in yourself and trust in the choices you make because nobody knows what you’re capable of, not even you. It’s up to you to show everyone what you’re made of. There is no one else in the world that can ever be like you, so be the best YOU that you can be.”

Crissy’s advice to students who are considering studying travel and tourism at ITC is clear: “Do it! Don’t hesitate!”

“If you’re already thinking of it, then you’re halfway there. I promise you this will be the best choice that you could make to have a real shot at your dream career. Studying at ITC is one of the best decisions I have ever made,” says Crissy.

Are you inspired by Crissy’s story? ITC is enrolling now: get in touch today to learn how we can get your airline, travel and tourism career off to a flying start.

Posted in News, Student success, Study inspiration | Tagged Be Inspired |