My journey into the tourism and hospitality industry is not defined by a single moment, but rather formed by a gradual transformation fueled by diverse experiences driven by my passions.
With my undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture, what always pushed me wasn’t just the desire to design spaces, but the potential of those spaces to bring people together and tell beautiful stories.
Over time, I began to realize that my true calling was not in designing physical environments but in curating experiences that inspire, connect, and leave lasting impressions. That realization led me to pursue a Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management, not as a career pivot, but as a natural next step in a purpose-driven career.
During my undergraduate years at Cal Poly, my senior project became a turning point in my academic and personal life. For the project, I explored how agritourism could be used as a tool for post-disaster recovery in Ogatsu, Japan, following the devastating 2011 tsunami.
In the aftermath of the destruction, the Japanese government spent billions of yen to construct a 210-kilometer concrete seawall to guard the northeastern coastline against future tsunamis. Despite being well-intentioned, the massive construction project disrupted natural ecosystems and displaced hundreds of smaller communities. Forcing the relocation of thousands of people who lacked the economic and political resources to rebuild or fight against the construction.
My project proposed an alternative: a forested tsunami barrier that mitigated future risk and served as a cultural and economic hub through sustainable tourism. In researching recovery strategies, I discovered how tourism restored economies, revitalized local infrastructure, preserved heritage, and fostered emotional healing.
This discovery expanded my understanding of tourism as a vehicle for empowerment. It planted the seed: tourism and hospitality are not just about leisure but purposeful connection and cultural preservation.
Shortly after completing that project, I took on a role as an Events Assistant at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, a wellness-focused resort in Central California. There, I helped plan and coordinate weddings, retreats, and wellness events. From setting up décor and managing internal timelines to liaising with vendors and ensuring guest satisfaction, I saw how many moving parts go into delivering a seamless experience.
I also saw the impact these experiences had on our guests. The joy on a bride’s face when her vision came to life, or the calm of a retreat guest who found peace within our property, were small yet powerful moments that guided me to the realization that I loved this work. I thrived in the fast-paced, detail-oriented environment, where I could blend my creativity with organization and human-centered thinking. More importantly, I saw myself growing and thriving long-term in hospitality.
This role was a natural extension of my work as an Event Coordinator for the Japanese Student Association (JSA) at Cal Poly. For two years, I led the planning of cultural events that celebrated Japanese heritage, from cooking nights and language exchanges to seasonal festivals and film screenings.
These events helped grow the club’s membership from 70 to 130 active members and built a stronger sense of community on campus. I poured countless hours outside of my academic work into creating these programs because they reflected my values: inclusivity, storytelling, cultural pride, and cross-cultural understanding.
Looking back, I didn’t realize how formative that role would be. It was in those years that I discovered that I truly loved, and was quite good at, the process of designing immersive, meaningful experiences — especially those that educate, celebrate, and bring people together.
I found joy in logistics, creativity in programming, and fulfillment in seeing attendees walk away more informed, inspired, and connected. In hindsight, I recognized that I had been developing skills in event management, hospitality, and cultural programming, all core components of the tourism industry.
Beyond academics and extracurriculars, travel has always been personal to me. My family’s visits to Japan, where we reconnected with relatives and immersed ourselves in traditions and the vibrant culture, shaped my early appreciation for cultural heritage.
In middle school, I traveled with my choir to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York, which turned into a formative group travel experience that introduced me to the power of shared experiences, especially when exploring new places. I will never forget the feeling of awe and pride standing on that stage or how we bonded as a group by navigating the city together.
My earliest, most vivid travel memories are snowboarding in Colorado with my mother, a woman who has always modeled independence, adventure, and resilience. That trip was not just about learning a new sport, but also showed me the power of shared emotions in shared experiences.
As an adult, I traveled through Europe with my father and stepmother. That trip marked the first trip with them, and the experience of discovering new cities together gave us the time and space to connect as a new family.
These moments taught me that travel is transformative. It deepens relationships, fosters empathy, and allows us to step into someone else’s world. That realization reinforced my desire to not only travel more but to design experiences that give others the same joy, transformation, and connection that travel has given me.
After graduating, I entered a time of reflection. I was proud of my work in landscape architecture, but I felt burned out from my design work. I found myself reminiscing on the moments that made me feel the most alive: coordinating events, connecting with guests, and crafting meaningful experiences.
Slowly, I realized the path that had been in front of me all along. My decision to pursue a career in tourism and hospitality was not a result of a sudden shift, but rather a long-standing passion finally coming into focus.
As I continue my studies in Tourism and Hospitality management, I am eager to explore how technology, cultural storytelling, and ethical business practices can intersect to elevate travel experiences while supporting local economies and environments.
This field is vital because tourism is one of the world’s most impactful industries. It shapes economies, preserves (or sometimes endangers) cultures, and influences how people perceive the world and each other. When done thoughtfully, tourism and hospitality initiatives can be a force for good: connecting people across borders, celebrating diversity, and fostering empathy. By gaining a deeper understanding of this industry’s potential and responsibilities, I hope to contribute to a future where travel is enjoyable, equitable, and enriching for guests, hosts, and the planet.
That is why I am honored to apply for the SITE Foundation Academic Scholarship. SITE’s mission — to inspire and motivate through travel — is one I deeply resonate with. The scholarship would support my education and empower me to align my career with SITE’s values: creating meaningful, memorable, and responsible travel experiences that celebrate diversity, foster community, and drive global connection.
In both my personal and professional life, I have seen the power of well-designed events and travel experiences to inspire change, deepen understanding, and create memories that last a lifetime. I have experienced firsthand how tourism can heal, empower, and transform. As I move forward in this field, I am committed to carrying those lessons with me, designing with intention, leading with empathy, and always seeking to create value for guests and the communities they visit.
Tourism is not just about destinations but about people, stories, and shared experiences. It is about creating physical and emotional spaces where people feel seen, connected, and inspired.
This mosaic of experiences sparked my interest in this field, and that is the vision I will bring to life in my professional career.
Erika is one of six 2025-26 academic scholarship recipients, an annual award funded by SITE Foundation. You can find more details about all of this year’s recipients here. You can also help shape future industry careers by making a donation to SITE Foundation in support of scholarships and other projects expanding the power and potential of incentive travel.