Meet Bonnie - "I Did It - So Can You!"
During a discussion of “sense of purpose and calling”, I proclaimed to a dear friend that I wanted to help restore and strengthen grace in our nation. I didn’t know then just how I was going to accomplish this, however everyday experiences were generously presented to me, in the form of observations that reinforced why I wanted to make a difference in the areas of etiquette and protocol.
I had spent the previous 17 years working as an interior designer with the most wonderful commercial and residential clients. Lucky was I to be hired to create beauty and function in their offices and homes. I could well imagine a shift that would take me from environments to people, to help them present themselves at their very best.
I started researching etiquette and protocol schools and it became very clear to me that the Protocol School of Washington was a leader in the field and therefore where I chose to study. I enrolled in the April 2014 Train to be a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant class. I arrived with very high expectations. I had a lot riding on this decision, both with the investment of time and treasure, and with a plan to close a thriving design business, to start anew.
On Opening Night after a lovely meet and greet we took our assigned seats for opening remarks. Instructions were to take a few moments to get acquainted with a neighboring student, learn why they were attending the PSOW, and prepare to introduce them to the class. “I would like to introduce Samar. She is from Dubai and graduated valedictorian of her university. Upon graduation, she was selected to work for His Highness in the Protocol Department. Samar is here to gain knowledge to assist her in her current position and in order to develop a professional coaching business.” This is who I had the honor of introducing and poor Samar was to introduce me. “This is Bonnie who is an interior designer in a sweet lake community on the West coast of the United States. She is here to gain etiquette and protocol expertise and her mission is to restore grace in her country.” The class responded with a gasp and a melodic “Ahhhh”. Instantly I knew I was with my people! From that moment forward, the PSOW Staff, classmates, and the overall experience exceeded my lofty expectations.
After graduating from the PSOW, I returned home to complete one last design project. Ten months later I started consulting and teaching business etiquette and international protocol. Thirteen months in, I have taught 729 students from universities, corporations, business associations, to private clubs and individuals. Every presentation and class, has been followed by participants coming forward to share their appreciation for what they have learned. Their consistent comment is, “Thank you for teaching us today. I now feel so confident and empowered!” After a very short amount of time, I feel like I am making a difference in the areas of corporate etiquette, emotional intelligence, soft diplomacy and international protocol. However, I am only one person from a sweet lake community on the West coast of the United States!
So, I encourage you to join me in my efforts, by attending the PSOW and becoming a leader in a growing and worthwhile field.
Thank you for reading my story!
Bonnie Trumbull is a 2014 Graduate of Train to be a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant.btprotocol.us