Unexpected encounters

Las Vegas airport

This past weekend, my parents took my boyfriend and I to Las Vegas for my 21st birthday. The trip met all my expectations; we ate delicious meals, browsed through even more delicious shops, went to hit shows, and experienced some interesting clubs, bars, and casinos.

Interestingly enough, the most memorable event was something I had not been expecting at all!

After taking a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, my dad and I returned to our hotel and decided to stop at one of its lounges for a beer (I'm 21 now! It's OK!). Though my Stella Artois was surprisingly refreshing, that was not the most memorable moment of the trip. No, that came when a gentleman sat down next to me at the bar. For all of you readers whose minds are responsible for clogging up half of America's gutters, THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU ARE THINKING. I was with my dad, at a day-time lounge in the Wynn, at around four in the afternoon.

Anyway, a pleasant-looking gentleman sat down next to me at the bar. We didn't really acknowledge each other at first (I'm new at this whole bar etiquette thing), but then he seemed to seem a bit more engaged.

So, I said "Where are you from, Sir?" (typical Vegas ice breaker)

He responded "Orlando but New York originally."

Interesting, I thought. Eventually our conversation led him to ask what I was studying. When I responded, "advertising," a sparkling smile spread across his face. 

I must have looked puzzled, as he felt the need to clarify: "I actually work in the advertising world, business-to-business communications."

And, so began an hour-long conversation about advertising, ethics, spirituality, and social media, with an engaging and passionate man who found for himself great success and happiness in the advertising industry without engaging in unethical activities. 

I couldn't believe how lucky I was! You see, after losing all but $00.86 out of $100 at the slot machines, I thought I had run out of luck. I guess karma felt bad for me!

And thank goodness it did, because I left Las Vegas a bit wiser than when I arrived... and who ever would have expected that!

From the man and my conversation, I was reminded...

• To be open-minded
• To be friendly to everyone
• To always be on my game, because I never know who I could meet!
• To cary my business cards with me
• To not be afraid to start a conversation with a stranger (not that I usually am!)
• To BE ASSERTIVE. I'm so afraid of bothering people sometimes that I miss out on opportunities!
• To believe in myself as much as I believe in others

A little while into our conversation, the man told me to make sure that I never forget my original passion for the advertising industry. However, if I ever feel that passion waning, I should look back at our conversation at the Parasol in Las Vegas. If I do that, I will remember that attitude with which I entered the industry.

To make sure I stay true to my passion, I've made a little contract. Here it is!



JESS JOHNSON'S "NEVER LOSE YOUR LOVE" CONTRACT: 

• Always have passion. It is the most important thing in life.
• Never stop educating yourself, and always ask those burning questions.
• Do not forget your passion for social justice, and the incredible beauty of mankind. 
• Don't ever do something that compromises your values. You never know when you could lose them all.
• Do not forget about your commitment to ethics.
• "I've always been more of a saver of souls than a seller of them."
• Never forget your spark... the light in your eye and the twinkle in your smile and the warmth pouring out of your heart.
• Travel as much as you can afford it. At each spot, leave something positive behind.
• Don't get stuck doing something that doesn't fulfill you, give back positively to the global society, make you happy, keep you healthy, or get you excited. 
• Don't let your work alienate you from your loved ones.
• Stay optimistic, but realistic. 
• Remain down to earth.
• Never stop exploring.

Signed,

Jessica C Johnson