The Heart Behind The Door- The Swinging Doors

Chapter 1: Behind the Swinging Doors

Recently, I messaged with a friend who has been working quietly behind the scenes in the hospitality world. We talked about missed milestones and the things that keep someone going even when no one is watching. What I heard was more than just a work story—it was a reflection on life, loss, healing, and purpose.

This is not a headline-grabbing story. There are no awards, no viral videos. But it’s real. And that makes it powerful.

I joined the hotel back in 2019—just before the world turned upside down with the pandemic. I had just graduated with a degree in Culinary and Business Management. I remember nervously walking into the office to speak with Ms. Kit. I asked if there were any openings.

She offered me a part-time role, and after a few months, I became full-time.

It might sound like a confident move, but honestly? I didn’t have many options. I flunked most of my subjects back in school—only scraped by with an ‘A’ in English. Life had already handed me a few setbacks, and I was just looking for a way forward.

But the real reason I stayed? It’s something I don’t always talk about. I stayed because I wanted to make people happy.

Because I wasn’t happy myself.

I’ve always held onto a quote by Robin Williams, who once said:

“I don't know how much value I have in this universe, but I do know that I've made a few people happier than they would have been without me. And as long as I know that, I'm as rich as I ever need to be.”

That quote saved me. It reminded me that I didn’t need to be the best. I just needed to be present for someone else. For the guests I’d never meet face-to-face, for the students I taught, and for the people around me who were still finding their way.

That’s what hospitality means to me.Even though I work in the kitchen, behind the swinging doors and steam, it’s not about fame or recognition. It’s about that silent moment when a guest smiles, when they cry as they say goodbye—when we somehow, without speaking, make their day better.

The most unforgettable moment in my journey? Working in Niseko, Japan during the 2015–2016 season. It was cold, magical, and full of firsts. I met people from all over the world. I made friends. I learned how universal kindness is, even when we don’t speak the same language.

But a very close second? Attending all of my students' graduation ceremonies.

You see—I never got to attend my own graduation. Not for my diploma. Not for my degree. So every time one of my students walked across the stage, I stood in the back of the room, quietly clapping, feeling something heal inside me.

Was it my moment? No. But did it feel like a second chance? Every single time.

And if you’re one of my students reading this—know this: I’m proud of you. I’m proud to have walked even a small part of the journey with you.

My advice?

Live in the moment.

If it’s good—cherish it. There are people out there who never get to feel it. If it’s bad—it’s not the end. Learn from it. Grow from it. That’s what being human means.

We all make mistakes. I’ve made plenty. Some I still wonder about. But you know what? I don’t regret them. Because each misstep led me to meet someone amazing. And that alone made it worth it.

So while we’re still alive—love fully, give generously, and live your life with no regrets.Because even in the background, even behind the kitchen doors…We can still change someone’s world