Pictured: Kaylana Mejias and Erika Still, Wellness Professional at the Lodge at Woodloch
By: Jewel Dickerman
Wallenpaupack Area High School senior Kaylana Mejias recently took an exciting step toward her future by participating in a multi-department Job Shadow at The Lodge at Woodloch. As part of her Senior Project, Kaylana spent a day gaining real-world experience in several areas of the hospitality industry.
With graduation quickly approaching, Kaylana wanted to explore different career paths before making her next big decision. During her visit, she rotated through Spa Services, Dining Services, and Housekeeping, where she observed employees in action and learned about the skills and teamwork required to keep a luxury resort running smoothly.
The experience gave Kaylana a clearer sense of direction. After shadowing professionals in these departments, she found herself drawn to the culinary field and is now considering pursuing a career in that area.
Kaylana shared that her time at The Lodge at Woodloch helped her see how passion and professionalism come together in the workplace. She said the opportunity gave her confidence about her future and inspired her to keep exploring what truly interests her. She also told that “The Dining Room was the best part of the day. The interaction with humans talking to the staff or talking to the clients. It gave me better communications skills, and the staff was good with hands-on skills. After my day at Woodlock I am employed there as a hostess and a server. This all came from the senior project that Mrs. Sullum sat in on.”
The Paupack Press is proud to see students like Kaylana taking initiative and using their senior projects to build a bridge between high school and the real world.
