Get the e-Newsletter

More Magazine and Weekend TODAY Show Winner

Kathy Simon has been turning dreams into reality all her life. When she heard about More Magazine’s and the Weekend TODAY show’s VocationVacations® Giveaway, she saw the opportunity to pursue yet another dream. If she won the VocationVacation, she would be able to “test-drive” her dream job through a hands-on experience with a good dose of reality.

“I have been entering contests since I was nine years old when I won two tickets to the World’s Fair in New York,” laughs Kathy. This competitive spirit was put to the test with the submission of her 250-word essay outlining why she deserved to win a VocationVacation of her choice. Her experience entering contests and her passion for following her dreams paid off. Kathy won the VocationVacation adventure and is off to explore what might be the beginning of an entirely new career….as a Dance Studio Owner!

“As I child, I dreamed of being strong like a Super Hero,” remembers Kathy. So, she decided to get into body-building and successfully competed for ten years. This opened doors for her in the fitness industry and for a number of years she managed three large fitness facilities in southern New Jersey. A few years ago, she left that business for the convention industry and is currently an exhibitor/show management services director in Washington D.C.

“I like my job, but I want to keep on learning and exploring new opportunities,” explains Kathy. “I want to come away from my VocationVacation with a new vision for my future where I go to have fun in work and not just work.” From the more than 225 VocationVacations available to choose from, Kathy decided to spend her dream job experience with VocationVacations’ mentor Gabriel Simon (no relation), owner of Ballroom Etc. in Sea Girt, New Jersey.

“I think dancing is really a lost art that has both great social and physical benefits,” offers Kathy. She wants to explore the possibility of becoming involved in dance instruction with a focus on making it more accessible, affordable and promoting the physical fitness side of dancing. She envisions outreach efforts that would include bringing the joy of dance to the elderly and the physically challenged. “I believe the interaction provided through dance is an opportunity to build communications skills and foster community.”

During her two-day VocationVacation, Kathy will learn about many aspects of owning and operating a dance studio. “We try to tailor the contents of the two days to meet the individual needs and interests of our “vocationers,” explains Gabriel. “Being a mentor for VocationVacations is an extension of our love of teaching. We want our vocationers to know they can do the same thing we do if that is their dream.” Activities for Kathy will include everything from learning about sales and marketing and studio management, to the basics of dance and dance instruction. Kathy’s dream job holiday just happens to coincide with Ballroom Etc.’s semi-annual “Medal Ball.” “It is an evening of dance, awards, and great home cooking by my wife Tina,” says Gabriel.

“I’ve always followed my dreams, and thanks to More Magazine, the Weekend TODAY Show and VocationVacations, I will be able to do so once again.” There is a small ulterior motive involved with Kathy’s desire to learn more about the dance business. “My 81-year-old mother can still dance up a storm,” says Kathy. “I want to learn to be an even better dancer.” Considering Kathy’s track record in realizing her dreams, her mother had better start practicing.

VocationVacations®: enabling people to test-drive their dream jobs; empowering them to turn their passions into their careers. VocationVacations is the only company of its kind offering clients (“vocationers”) one- to- three day, hands-on, career immersion experiences under the tutelage of expert mentors. Founded in 2004, VocationVacations has more than 225 mentors in over 110 different vocations all across the United States.


Name:*
Email:*