Welcome to my Digital Portfolio
Athena Chenot’s Library of Alexandria
About Athena
Athena is an aspiring novelist majoring in Native American Studies and minoring in both Creative Editing and publishing and Recreation and tourism management. With an emphasis specializing in Tribal Gaming, her intent is to work with tribal governments and use her writing to improve their conditions while simultaneously enjoying and engaging in her passion for fantasy fiction writing.
Payne Engagement Events
Hilton Recruitment
Oct 18, 2024
The Payne Engagement event that I attended provided incredible insight to the Hilton hospitality industry. I really enjoyed the engagement with the team members—they were very open to stranger questions and had clever answers for stranger topics. The way they were able to steer the conversation in an interesting and informative way was really reflective on how their management functions.
I was particularly interested to know if they incorporated themes of “haunted hotel” in the Hotel Del Coronado considering its reputation. I was delighted to find that they do mention it depending on the customer–showing that they value the consumers on an individual level.
Their recruitment also provided various program benefits that included compensated stays at their hotels globally. Their management showed that they value their employees by provide unique opportunities to travel and network with prospects that could further ones career.
Student Organization: Ice Cream Social
Oct 14, 2024
The Payne Engagement event that I attended provided the opportunity to take professional head shots. I really enjoyed the friendly but professional conversations held with my fellow students as well as the photographer.
I really appreciated how he remained professional even when my outfit was causing issues with the flash photography. The whole process took less than 30 minutes including wait time and my photos were delivered via email approximately a week later.
Overall I enjoyed this engagement which was very productive for my professional career. A well done head shot can really make the difference to the way you present yourself professionally and are typically required.
Professional Experience
I am a proud member of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, and am deeply motivated by my cultural heritage and tribal community. My passion for the arts, writing, ecological activism, and my general love of the wild influences my personal style in my work
Theatrical Production Expertise
Acting: engaging in choreography, communicating, teamwork, and performance under pressure.
Set & Lighting coordination: working with construction hardware; constructing and decorating the set; organizing and adjusting lighting rigs
Indigenous Community involvement
As an active member of my tribe, I have established a close connection with my cultural heritage allowing me to have a deeper understanding of the functioning of tribal governments.
My area of emphasis stresses the importance of exercising cultural sensitivity and fostering mutual respect.
Child Care Experience
Through my own personal experience, and volunteering I have developed the emotional intelligence to respond appropriately to adolescent behavior. I have been able to further develop my communication skills through proper and respectful correspondence with legal guardians.
Work Experience: Acting
JUNE 2024-AUGUST 2024
El Salon Theatre, 114 W Hall St., San Ysidro–performer and dance choreographer in the production of KNOCK KNOCK WHO’S THERE?
Work Experience: Native Outreach
MAY 2022-JUNE 2022
San Diego American Health and Wellness Center, 2630 First Ave.–commissioned to create Medicine Bags for the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA)
Volunteer Experience: Native Outreach
APRIL 13, 2024 ANNUALLY
San Diego State Annual Powwow, 5500 Campanile Dr.–Volunteer Set Up & Clean Up Crew
My Passions
My Tribal Culture/family: I am Chukchansi from the Picayune Rancheria, and I grew up valuing my heritage because my family still lives on reservations near our tribal casino. I love being in nature and feel really connected to the land.
Writing: Every since I was a kid I absolutely adored reading and writing. Worldbuilding has always fascinated me, and everything I write comes live. The characters and stories I create and read are very much real to me.
My art: My art goes hand in hand with my writing, I have used it as an outlet for my passions, my sorrows, my love, and my loss. The characters I create are a part of my soul. My style expression: I used to want to be a fashion designer as a child, and that has transferred into the unique way I present myself. It may not be the most conventional but its who I am, and how I want to be perceived. It gives me confidence and it makes me stand out.
My Mind Map: Foundational Pillars
Career Goals: (Long Term)
Working as a professional Novelist and editor. Writing is what I am most passionate about and while i strive to do my own work–I can use my skills for professional freelancing.
Educator: I want to take what I learned about my tribal heritage and culture and see that implemented into mainstream curriculum.
Tribal Council: On a personal scale–my tribe needs help, and I want to work to improve these conditions.
Career Goals: (Short Term)
Substitute Teacher: In order to get my official teaching certificate I need to submit over 48 hours to get accepted into SDSU’s program
Working in park services: I want to hone my experience in the tourism and hospitality industry–specifically with outdoor recreation
Working in a casino: I want to hone my experience in the tourism and hospitality experience–specifically with the tribal gaming industry
Core Values
Integrity: I value a person by their ability to not only be honest but to fold firm on what they said. It shows good character when someone follows through on the morals they set in place.
Respect: I was taught to treat people the way that I want to be treated. I expect the same respect in return for the best environment possible
Drive: Life is the pursuit of passion—if you want something and strive to achieve it, you can and you will
Loyalty: It’s the most important aspect of any relationship because it shows that you value the connections you establish.
Career Options in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry
Working within a Tribal gaming casino. Jobs include; front desk, hostess in restaurant hotel services, working the gaming floor, and casino manager.
Working as a part of my Tribal government as an elected official member of the tribal council.
Travel Magazine writer reviewing different hotel establishments based on a specific rating system.
Design/Decor/Stylist: the ability to create an inviting atmosphere and environment for guests
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Top Strengths:
Adaptability: I am a person who enjoys a variety of different hobbies. I enjoy the spontaneity of new activities and am eager to learn. This makes me effective when it comes to chaotic situations or sudden shifts.
Communication: I try to be as clear and direct as possible while remembering to respect the other person’s feelings. This helps generate a informed work environment. I also have no issue with speaking or performing in front of a crowd–its quite riveting.
High Stress Environments: Being the oldest sibling in a household of 6, I have had to learn to juggle family, school, and work for a long time. I’ve become quite efficient at multitasking, allowing me to do multiple projects in a shorter amount of time.
Desired Strengths:
Consistency: I tend to spread myself thin when it comes to activities or groups or anything really. I work according to my own schedule and sometimes that results with me not keeping up with things. Resulting in it being harder for me to make good connections.
Although I have picked up a few odd jobs and volunteered, I have not had an long standing job. I have been privileged enough to focus solely on my education but because of that I lack the real life experience.
I have a lot to say, unfortunately I’m not outwardly extroverted which can negatively affects my networking skills. I love intellectual conversations and debates. I just need to practice initiating and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Role Models
Nicolas Hernandez: He was a valued member of the San Diego Community, helping co-found the Ronald McDonald house and working alongside Cesar Chavez. He worked as a special education teacher, ran a carpentry union for over +20 years, and often volunteered to help his community. He was a proud Mexican, a war veteran, and most importantly, a good man. He was my grandfather, and he taught me to be good, how to value family, and I strive to have the adventurous and fantastic life he had.
Suzanne Collins: She is the author of one of my all time favorite book series, The Hunger Games and created my favorite character ever, Katniss Everdeen. I aspire to create a narrative that can be comparable to her work. I love how she uses her voice to send powerful messages. Her exploration of mental health, stance on war and media manipulation is awe-inspiring.
Frank Iero: is my favorite musician, and former guitarist from My Chemical Romance. He is a true romantic, and his gothic lyricism is poetry. I admire his style and passion, his songs from the heart and you can hear it–completely unapologetic.
Fyodor Dostoevsky: A famous classical literature author, I absolutely adore his writing style. It is completely unique and filled will raw emotion. Reading the park of Dovesky’s letters where he describes how he feels after the death of his daughter honestly breaks my heart
Contact Information
Formal Resume: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dn8j1TyU8kjMUz4uarA1G_cZkA-j5SVsCeY9X60Xr1g/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.hye6vppjowj9
LinkedIN: http://linkedin.com/in/athena-chenot-927b61330
Phone Number: (619)-597-4132
Athena’s Library of Alexandria 