What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory is going to Mongolia to be a part of the crew for the Mongol Derby. I spent two months there between the city and the steppe, and it really got to be a special place for me after all that time. I was able to see what authentic city life was like, as well as nomadic life, and spent 2 weeks camping across the steppe.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I am currently 26, and have done a lot of growing up over the last four years at Cawston. I think the most important note here is that since being here, I have been able to discover what my passions in life truly are.
I studied marketing and business in university - something which I don't use too much of now, but since being here, I have discovered I am much more passionate about animals, horses, nature, and working outside. I am even now studying online equine nutrition and have learned many practical skills of working with livestock.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
My favorite return volunteer is a young girl from Germany who has been out to visit us four times, with another trip planned next year! She has become like a little sister to me and every time she comes back, we have a long catch up session, to keep each other up to date on all our life's drama. We have too many inside jokes and stories to even know where to begin!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would of course want to work in the equine program, as I love horses and riding. A lot of my travel choices are centered around horse riding, and I enjoy not just the riding, but also learning horsemanship from different countries and cultures. I also like that I could come with a friend to do the program together.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Our company works more like a family than as co-workers. Living remotely on the ranch isn't always easy, but we live together and lean on each other for support.
Volunteers and guests that come often also leave with the feeling that they are part of the family and that Cawston is just a home away from home.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe it is important to work together as one team with the same goals in mind. I am a big believer in setting goals and as a part of the management here, we have meetings in which we set and discuss our goals so that we can all work together to achieve them.
When each team member holds the other team members accountable to their goals and helps them achieve them, more goals are met!
