In June 2012 four Irish Travel Counsellors took on an extraordinary challenge – the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – and, through teamwork, camaraderie and determination, made memories and friendships for life. Wexford-based Travel Counsellor Kathy O’Sullivan talks about her experience and what life is like being part of a global family…
“When I saw the email ‘ping’ through from our head office in November announcing that the company was taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for charity, I thought it would be a great way to not only get fit but also keep me motivated and focused, as well as being for a great cause.
“So the training began and encouraging emails back and forth from the other Travel Counsellors taking part in the trek kept me entertained, focused and, most importantly, feeling part of something really special and worthwhile.
“The time finally arrived and I travelled over to Yorkshire with my three fellow Irish Travel Counsellors – Sarah McCarthy, Niamh Quinlan and Jennifer O’Brien – to meet up with the rest of the 60-strong group, giving us the chance to meet colleagues from ‘across the pond’, as well as staff from our global head office.
“On the morning of the trek everyone was very supportive of each other and throughout the day we sang, we danced, we cried and – eventually! – we crawled to the end soaked to the skin, limbs aching and a little shell shocked. But this was nothing compared to the sense of achievement and sharing an amazing experience with a wonderful group of people.
“Travel Counsellors offered me a fantastic opportunity to achieve something that I may not have done without the support and encouragement from my colleagues and head office team – which is the same support I receive in running my business.
“Not only am I proud of myself for taking part in the challenge, but I am also extremely proud to be part of such a special company that puts its people at the heart of everything it does. Every year I attend the annual Irish Travel Counsellors Conference and it really reaffirms to me why I joined seven years ago. The event is a must for me, and for my business, as it cements the fact that we are not on our own. Head office never fails to deliver an amazing couple of days with inspirational speakers and suppliers. Each year I come back refreshed and motivated, having caught up with old friends and with new ones made.
“It really is amazing to be part of such a great family of people, from my fellow Travel Counsellor Sue Cahill, who works alongside me running our business, to the worldwide team of 1,200 agents who are always on hand to offer advice, first-hand knowledge and friendship whenever needed. Not to mention the support from head office who have been there for us both with their words of encouragement, assistance in driving our business forward and going beyond the call of duty.
“My Three Peaks experiences have made me so motivated I have now even signed up to climb Ben Nevis with the company in 2013, so watch this space!”
Further Information on Travel Counsellors Ireland:
www.facebook.com/IrelandCareersTC
http://ie.linkedin.com/pub/cathy-burke/52/b72/330
