Ronja is working at Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe this summer

Earlier this spring you could apply to work in the U.S. throughout The North-West Passage at The Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe, which is exactly what Ronja did.  We asked her a few questions about her experience...

Why did you choose to work in the US?
I was actually looking for an ordinary summer job in Sweden when I stumbled upon the north-west
passage homepage and realized it was a once in a lifetime experience to work in the U.S. for a summer.
I sent an email with my resume that evening and the next day a reply came and the planning started.

How did you hear about the opportunity to do come to Lake Tahoe and summer job?
I was doing a lot of thinking on where in the U.S I should go, things like work descriptions and the
availability of housing were in the forefront of my mind when Ted (tnwp: CEO) recommended working for Heavenly
in South Lake Tahoe.

How has working in the U.S. improved your knowledge and skills? How is the U.S. work culture
different compared to your home culture?
I'm sure that my English has improved a bit with all the extra talking but what I really learned here is to
open up and talk to strangers and make friends with everyone I meet. In Sweden I am shy but here the
people interact with each other and me in a new way which allows me to talk to people I would ordinarily
never reach out to. The work environment in the U.S is very friendly and encouraging. Both managers
and coworkers openly and loudly tell you that your work is amazing and that they appreciate you in a way
that I haven't experienced in Sweden.

What are/were your expectations for summer job in the U.S. ?
I didn't really have any expectations when I arrived but if anything the work is easier than expected and
the people nicer. The town is also safer than I was expecting and I can walk alone in the dark without
worrying too much.

What has been your most memorable experience while living in U.S.?
Every day here is unique and every experience is memorable but I have to say that the first time I saw the
sun go down over the lake was very special to me. An equally wonderful time was had when I met Miles
Teller when I went to see the American century championship.

Describe a day in your life!
If I am working I usually start at 9 am. I clock in and then start my workday by taking the gondola up the
mountain where I work at Tamarack Lodge cleaning tables and talking to guests until 5 pm. The workday
consists of talking to and having fun with colleagues as well as guests. After work, I eat dinner before I
see a movie on my computer or take a walk down by the lake.

What do you do in your spare time?
Every Thursday I go to Live at Lakeview to listen to music on the beach and meet up with friends. Other
than that I don't have anything planned I just go and experience something new every week when I have a
day off. One day I went horseback riding up the mountain, another I went swimming in the lake. One day
off I went to Reno and other days I have spent just hiking up the mountain to see the sunset or taking a
walk along the lake just breathing in the beauty. Every day here has something new to offer if you are just
willing to take a chance and try it. One time I went up the mountain by gondola to try the activities we
offer there, like rock climbing, rope courses, and zip lining.