By Tatum Hoffer, University Relations intern

Spectrum Volume 17 Issue 27 - April 6, 1995

Performing managerial duties at a private resort tucked away on a lush tropical island is what Micah Schachinger ultimately wants to do for a living.

Growing up around the business of country clubs influenced Schachinger to follow in her father's career. At one point she and her family lived at a country club above the dining rooms. "Every morning on my way to school I'd have to go downstairs through the club. It was a lot of fun growing up around country clubs, and I want to stay in the business," she said.

Pursuing her passion, Schachinger is a hospitality and tourism management major at Virginia Tech, about to graduate after finishing a four-year program in three years. She will graduate with honors as the College of Human Resources Outstanding Senior for 1995.

Schachinger's strong commitment to her career and dreams explains her impressive resume at home and at school. Holding down many leadership responsibilities, for instance, as vice president of Eta Sigma Delta, an international hospitality society, and treasurer of the Hospitality Management Association at Virginia Tech, has given her significant managerial experience.

The many honor societies she has been inducted into reflect her academic success as well. Schachinger has been service chair for Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society, in addition to belonging to the Golden Key National Honor Society.

Maintaining good grades throughout school is due in part to Schachinger's competitive personality. "I just want to be the best," she said, "and I know the hours that I study for a test will be worth the `A.' It pays off."

Schachinger, equipped with her work ethic, regrets only one aspect of her line of work: the hours. "The hours are very long. When everybody else is celebrating, like on holidays, I'm working.

"But, in this business, you pay now with your hours and later on, once you've established a managerial position, a staff under you can do it. It's more incentive to work up the ladder," Schachinger said.