An Opportunity Taken, An Unbelievable Reward

Legendary NCAA basketball coach John Wooden often reminded his players, "Good things take time." At Tulsa Tech, those good things are not just opportunities—they’re pathways to life-changing growth. For some students, it’s about discovering a passion. For others, it’s finding purpose, unlocking potential, or redefining what they’re capable of.

“This entire experience has been surreal. To go from where I was at the front desk, to becoming the front office manager has changed my life,” Tea Green, a Hospitality and Tourism Management graduate said. “I am so thankful to my instructor and the team here at Marriott Southern Hills for pouring so much knowledge into me.”

Green started the program while already working for the hotel, but each day in class she says she was able to take what she learned and apply it at work.

“When I started, I knew restaurants and a little front desk stuff,” Green said with a smile. “Now, I am well versed in every aspect of hospitality, and best thing was the confidence I gained in myself.”

Green found inspiration not only in the hands-on training at Tulsa Tech’s Owasso Campus, but also in her instructor’s guidance and leadership.

“Seeing how these skills translate to the real-world made a big difference,” Green said. “Beyond the skills that I was learning, I also found how to be a better leader in the classroom and here at Marriott.”

For Green the program was about more than the skills needed to succeed, it was also pushing herself out of her comfort zone.

“Before Tulsa Tech, I would let other people take the lead or do a project, now I am more eager to take on the challenges,” Green said. “I went from fearing failure, to now being ready to try and learn from any failures.”

With her warmth and outgoing personality, Green is set to create lasting impressions on hotel guests. But what stays with her the most from her time at Tulsa Tech isn’t the skills—it’s the self-discovery.

“Every day is an opportunity to learn,” she said. “It’s not always about the technical skills—you can uncover more about yourself than you ever thought possible.”

Her advice to others, “stepping out of your comfort zone may feel daunting, but if you don’t take that leap, you may never reach your dreams.”