My sister Nadia is an exceptional woman. So when she graduated from university, I encouraged her to get going on her career. I knew she had incredible skills and I was willing to put her in touch with people who could get her started the right way, but she had her own ideas. Nadia wanted to travel and see as much of the world as possible before she decided on what she would do next. She rejected my advice and went her own way.That's how she came to be in Thailand in 2004 when that horrific tsunami hit. She was right there on the front lines of the relief efforts in the immediate aftermath—volunteering at a nearby hospital, helping U.N. aid workers to compile missing persons lists, distributing clothes and water. She ended up staying a month longer than she originally intended because, as she put it, she didn't want to "jump ship" when the country, which relies so heavily on tourism dollars, was in such need. Nadia's time in Thailand was marked by tragedy but it also had a profound effect on her growth as a person. As often happens in a crisis, we find out more about ourselves and our capabilities.
And as it turns out, her career took off just fine. When she returned home she started out as a Revenue Management trainee in the hotel business. She worked her way up, getting promoted consistently every two years. Now she is Director of Revenue Management for a premier hotel in Boston, having just moved from Miami Beach, where she was recognized as "Revenue Management Leader of the Year" for her category in the Starwood Hotel and Resort chain. I am a very proud big brother.
This is a great example of how each of us has a sort of "internal compass" that tells us what we need to do. This is not about just doing whatever seems easiest, or the most fun; it's about taking the path that you know in your heart is the right one for you. Sometimes that means rejecting advice, even if it comes from a very wise older brother. Sometimes the path you choose will take sudden, unexpected turns, as it did for Nadia in Thailand. If you're true to yourself and have the courage to follow that compass, you'll probably end up where you need to be.