Anthony Chua Jiajun
Participant ,Cedar Point, WAT 2011
Most people see the Work and Travel USA brochures and think, “That’s cool.” I decided to take that thought one step further. I wanted to know what it truly felt like to work and live abroad — to experience another culture, make new friends, and explore the world.
Together with friends, I chose Cedar Point in Ohio, one of America’s top roller coaster parks. I worked as a food host at a candy floss cart, serving guests from around the world.
The first few days were nerve-racking- adapting to new accents, slowing down my “Singlish,” and learning to work in a fast-paced kitchen. But my supervisors and colleagues were patient and supportive, and soon I found joy in the laughter and energy of the park. Seeing families smile and hearing their excitement made every long day worth it.
Working in such a dynamic environment taught me independence and teamwork. I learned to manage my finances, cook proper meals, and rely on my friends who became my second family. We shared simple moments — saving dinner for each other after late shifts, helping one another through homesickness — that made Cedar Point feel like home away from home.
On our off days, we rode the world’s fastest coasters for free and joined trips to Niagara Falls, where the beauty of nature left us speechless.
After work ended, we traveled across the U.S., from Washington D.C. and Philadelphia to Floridaand New York City, watching fireworks at Disneyland, seeing the Statue of Liberty up close, and walking through Times Square in awe.
Looking back, the Work and Travel program was more than a job — it was a journey of growth, friendship, and adventure. It taught me that youth passes quickly, so we should make it count. This wasn’t just a summer job; it was the summer of a lifetime.