Earn & Learn Hospitality Internship With Marcus Hotels

This sentiment was echoed by Yazmari, who spent most of her time in the kitchen. "I’ve learned to have a little bit more patience and to be open to other people's opinions," she said. 

One of the unique aspects of this Earn & Learn experience was the exposure to the political arena. Elise, who initially planned to study computer science, found a new interest in politics. "Because of this internship, I’m looking at going into politics because I’ve learned a lot about it, and it’s raised an interest for me." Meanwhile, Yazmari found joy in the unique experiences the program offered, such as blowing up balloons for the National Convention. "It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience." 

The hands-on experiences were not limited to concierge and kitchen duties. Students also engaged in team-building activities and city explorations. Syd reflected on the variety of the program. "There’s something new and different and unique every day. It’s very spontaneous because we’re learning something new or talking to new people every day," she noted. "Earn & Learn helped me get out of my comfort zone and try new things," she said. 

Another student, Eddie, who aspires to be a chef, valued the practical experiences and confidence-building aspects of the program. "I learned a lot of courage this summer. You have to answer questions and know what’s going on. It’s built my confidence a lot, and my leadership skills." These skills are essential for his future career aspirations. "Earn & Learn has been good to me." 

Arafa, who initially had no interest in politics, found the program broadened her horizons significantly. "I learned to be more open-minded. We’re all different, and you never know what someone is going through. It’s important to make everyone feel comfortable and to be kind," she shared. Her experience has sparked an interest in restaurant management, complementing her aspirations of becoming a chef. Arafa also cherished the bonds formed with fellow students. "We’ve really bonded," she said. 

Overall, the hospitality training and RNC experience provided Earn & Learn students with a unique blend of skills, from customer service and patience to leadership and teamwork. These young individuals are now better equipped for their future careers, having stepped out of their comfort zones and embraced new opportunities. Their summer was filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences, showcasing the transformative power of the Earn & Learn program.