Blanson CTE Students Step Behind the Scenes of Hospitality Careers on Groundhog Job Shadow Day

A group of Blanson CTE High School students pose with the Westin Houston Downtown staff.

Nine Aldine ISD students from Blanson Career and Technology Education High School spent Groundhog Job Shadow Day not predicting the weather, but exploring their futures inside two of Houston’s premier hotels.

The hospitality students participated in the statewide career exploration initiative coordinated by the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, visiting The Westin Houston Memorial City and The Westin Houston Downtown on Feb. 2. Guided by hospitality and tourism instructors Dr. Ashley Ingraham and Eric Howard, students received an in-depth look at how hotels operate behind the scenes.

During the four-hour experience, students rotated through multiple departments, including front office, guest services, housekeeping, food and beverage, sales and marketing, catering and events, and engineering. Visiting two separate properties allowed students to compare how hotels serve different markets while upholding consistent brand standards.

At The Westin Houston Memorial City, hotel leaders shared professional knowledge and career guidance, underscoring teamwork, leadership, and attention to detail. General Manager Pete Ells encouraged students to focus on excellence in their current roles as the foundation for lasting growth and leadership.

“Experiencing a working hotel firsthand allows them to see that hospitality is not simply about service, but about leadership, operations, and building environments where people feel appreciated and welcomed,” Ingraham said.

Students said the opportunity enhanced their understanding of the industry.

Trevor Finnan explains the AAA Diamond Ratings, which reflect quality, facilities, and hospitality in lodging options for members.

“I was surprised by the teamwork and cooperation among staff members behind the scenes,” said Camila Garza. “I always thought hotels were mostly about processing check-ins for guests. I grasped the importance of each department’s role in making a welcoming experience.”

For Vanessa Rodríguez, the human resources department stood out. “It showed how much planning goes into hiring, training, and scheduling employees,” she said.

Others left with revived confidence in their career goals. “Seeing professionals working in the hotel environment helped me realize that hospitality offers real career opportunities with room for growth,” said Daisy López, who hopes to one day become a general manager.

Groundhog Job Shadow Day served as a real-world extension of Blanson CTE’s hospitality curriculum, reinforcing classroom instruction while promoting college, career, and workforce readiness for Aldine ISD students.

“One piece of advice that really stayed with me was to always focus on excellence in whatever role you are given,” said Katherine Batalla. “Doing your best now prepares you for bigger leadership opportunities later. Hard work pays off.”

Blanson Career and Technical Education High School is a Choice School campus offering 17 CTE programs. The award-winning campus has also made U.S. News & World Report‘s annual Best High School rankings, including in 2025.