Being the new guy in any activity can be a challenge.
Being the new guy when you're working alongside a pair of celebrated ballroom dancers doesn't make things any less challenging. But when you push past that social unease, work hard, and end up as the Top Rookie in one of the most competitive talent pools in your field, you are Tim Peters.
He works in Port Coquitlam, and while the name may seem difficult to pronounce, one thing that isn't is the word "All Star". He's moving on to the Arthur Murray All Star World Championships in Las Vegas, and here's how he got to this point.
TP: October 14th, 2015 was the day of my interview at AM Port Coquitlam.
I had recently resigned from the construction trade, and was desperately looking for a job that would make me happy. I had been in touch with Barbara and Brent about an opening for a ballroom dance instructor, but honestly I thought there was zero chance they would take me. Having no dancing or teaching experience I wouldn't have hired myself, but I also had nothing to lose, so I went in for the interview anyway.
Barbara and Brent and all the staff were so welcoming before I even sat down that I knew I wanted to be a part of their world. After a good hour of questions, and embarrassing dancing, I sat down with them for the final decision.
They wanted me to start training!
That was the moment my life change from a directionless mess to a joyful, exciting journey. A year has flown by and I have never once looked back. Arthur Murray has been the best thing for me, and I am looking forward to a full lifetime career in my new trade.
TP: I would have laughed at them. I have always loved to dance, but shyness and lack of skill kept me off the dance floor at every event I went to. Last year I had no idea that Arthur Murray could not only train me, but also give me the confidence to get up in front of a crowd. Only now am I grasping how much better I can be through our company.
AML: What does it mean to you to be the Top Specialist from Area 6?
TP: It means that I did the best I could to represent my studio and my mentors and it paid off. It truly means 'I Can'.
TP: Honestly its bin a few days here and I am not sure it has kicked in yet. I have never had the opportunity to travel like A.M. has given me - California, Portland, Seattle and now Vegas all in my first year! Its rather amazing.
TP: No idea. I would follow my team around and celebrate with them.
TP: So far, the process has taught me how to be a better teacher. How to communicate, how to act, how to give better customer service, and really how to show others the amazing journey A.M. can provide. Now with winning the rookie division I have the ability to work with, and get to know, so many great A.M. names. I feel more connected into the network and core of A.M. which I know is going to help my career.
Making a successful transition into any new field comes back to a few common ingredients: skills, determination, and a healthy environment. Tim Peters couldn't have become an instructor without skills, and he would not have arrived at this point in his career without determination, but becoming an All Star, and developing a career focused mentality in this new occupation speaks to his own makeup, as much as it speaks to the environment that has helped and encouraged those qualities to thrive.
All Stars aside, Tim Peters has already won the career competition. Not bad for a young, ex-construction worker looking for a more fulfilling job.