August 29, 2012
Issue 1
A Brief History:
Shannon Barter is currently a senior at
Temple University where she is pursuing a
Bachelors of Science Degree in Tourism and
Hospitality Management. Growing up,
Shannon participated in a wide variety of
sports and activities, but her real passion has
always been travel and tourism. While most
kids were being dragged on family vacations
clutching their Gameboys, Shannon was busy
being her family’s personal travel agent.
Whether it was planning every detail of their
annual end of summer vacation, drawing up
new ideas for magnificent beach resorts, or
Volume 1
convincing her parents to purchase an RCI
timeshare, Shannon has always been both
fascinated by and drawn to the tourism
industry.
Having grown up in a small town
in New Jersey, Shannon chose to study at
Temple University due to its location in the
major metropolis of Philadelphia. Shannon’s
interest in Philadelphia went beyond the
plethora of internship and job opportunities to
the fact that living in the city would allow the
opportunity to consistently act as a tourist
herself. Shannon has made a point throughout
her years at school to venture beyond
Temple’s walls frequently and explore all of
the unique offerings that the city possesses.
A Look at Industry Experience:
Shannon spent the summer of
2011 as an Administrative Intern
at the Holiday Inn Express
Midtown Philadelphia. Shannon
rotated
to
various
hotel
departments during her time at
the hotel including front desk,
housekeeping, and sales.
Shannon has worked for
over two years as a
Supervisor of Concessions
for Aramark at Lincoln
Financial Field, overseeing
the successful operations of
the stands and stand
workers.
Shannon spent the fall of 2010
interning at the Delaware Valley
Stroke Council helping to plan
their annual Stars for Strokes
Gala raising money for stroke
awareness. The gala included a sit
down dinner as well as an auction
that Shannon assisted in planning.
“A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.” – Gael Attal
Where in the World is Shannon Barter?
Becoming a World Traveler:
Although most would say that Shannon
was bit by the travel bug at a young age,
her first real foray into international
tourism began at the age of 18 when she
set off on a ten day trip to Israel through
the Taglit-Birthright program. Shannon
learned so much from the people, places,
and activities involved and realized that
travelling was about more than just
sightseeing, it was about becoming a
citizen of the world. In an effort to
continue on with this sense of personal
growth, Shannon decided to embark on a
semester long study abroad program in
Her Next Big Adventure:
While the majority of Shannon’s study
abroad experience was nothing short of
incredible, it ended on a devastating note
as she learned that her close friend
Daniela, who had been studying in New
Zealand the same semester, had died in a
car accident. Despite the devastating nature
of this news, Shannon drew inspiration
from the whole experience. Daniela had
died in the midst of the same culturally
stimulating, exciting, and eye opening
adventure she herself was participating in.
Despite the tragedy that occurred,
Shannon knew that just like her own
Daniela’s life was changed dramatically by
positively by her bold decesion
Page 2
London, England. While in London,
Shannon took courses in Olympic
Tourism, Tourism Policy, and Tourism
Development. She also spent a month
travelling around to various countries in
Europe, helping her realize that it is
possible to learn just as much outside the
classroom as in it. Currently, Shannon is
working as an IFSA Butler program
ambassador, helping to ensure other
Temple students are given the same
opportunity for an eye opening study
abroad experience that she was.
the decision to study abroad and experience
the world. A culmination of these events has
led Shannon on a passionate pursuit of a
career in the international travel sector of
the tourism industry. She hopes to work for
a student travel company one day, both
creating and promoting abroad experiences
for youth. To Shannon, a passport is more
than just documentation of one’s
citizenship. A passport signifies that one has
an unwavering home, but also the boldness
and curiosity necessary to learn what lies
beyond it. Down the road, Shannon hopes
to pursue a master’s degree in Business
Administration and create her own overseas
travel organization and scholarship fund.