Upon completing my college degree in tourism management, I was fortunate enough to secure a position as a tour guide for a period of two years. My first group were elderly individuals hailing from the United States, with an average age of 73. Interestingly, I was given this part-time opportunity because other full-time tour guides had turned it down. At the time, I had just passed the tour guide qualification exam and received my tour guide certificate, which filled me with countless fantasies and passionate excitement as a newcomer, ready to hit the road! Without hesitation, I gladly accepted the task and prepared to welcome my first group of clients!

 

Given my prior knowledge of the clients, I recorded all the necessary precautions and understood their special needs. I noted down everything, such as when they needed to take their blood pressure medication, and even planned special activities to prevent them from getting bored during rest periods. I wanted to make sure that the elderly wouldn't feel like I was treating them solely based on their age. I wrote down all these details and created my own versatile handbook, which I used to guide the group throughout their tour. With excitement, I went to the hotel lobby to greet them and prepared for a day of travel!

 

At first, I sensed their unease and lack of trust. After all, their age was a factor, and my youthful appearance might have made it difficult for them to rely on me. I was a bit worried and discouraged, but giving up without making an effort was not in my dictionary. So, I encouraged myself, knowing that the beginning is always the hardest, and with sincerity, even a stone can be cracked. I was determined that I could do it!

 

By the end of the day, I received tips of nearly $1000, which was more than ten times my daily salary! Unfortunately, I couldn't accompany them for the next day's tour because I had to go to school. About three months later, I received a great gift at the university—a variable-speed bicycle. It was a gift from Jane and Mike, a couple from the tour group. I rode that bike until I graduated from college. I was very happy to have had all those wonderful experiences, even though I didn't pursue a career in the tourism industry after graduation. Due to a fortuitous opportunity, I went into sales and co-founded a company with my friends. There is some regret there!