Tan Tze Ming
Participant, Cedar Point 2007
I joined the Work and Travel USA program because I wanted to see America with my own eyes rather than wait until graduation. On 8 May 2007, I left Singapore with excitement and a single suitcase, arriving in Sandusky, Ohio, where I began work at Hotel Breakers, Cedar Point Resorts.
For ten weeks I worked as a room attendant, learning every detail of housekeeping—from bed-making to managing suites. Midway through, I was promoted to supervisor, which challenged me to manage others, make decisions, and see work from a new perspective.
To earn extra savings, I also worked part-time at McDonald’s, rotating between the grill, drive-thru, and front counter. Balancing two jobs was tough, but the long hours taught me discipline and perseverance.
Through both jobs I learned to stay positive with every customer, even the difficult ones, and to take pride in doing my best. My biggest takeaway was realizing how leadership, teamwork, and patience could turn even routine work into meaningful growth.
Beyond work, I formed close friendships with people from around the world and even found an “American family” who welcomed me into their home. After the season ended, I travelled to Chicago, Orlando, Boston, New York, and San Francisco, exploring landmarks like MIT, Harvard, and Universal Studios.
This experience taught me independence, gratitude, and focus. It wasn’t just a summer job—it was a turning point that shaped how I see the world and myself. I’d recommend WAT USA to anyone ready to work hard and grow beyond comfort.