You can hear Dan Ivanov before you see him—not because he’s loud, but because he’s singing.
Even during the toughest tasks at Shanty Creek Resort in Michigan, the Romanian student could be found humming his way through his work, turning what could have been difficult shifts into something his coworkers actually looked forward to. That infectious positivity didn’t just make work more fun. It earned him Employee of the Quarter.
So how does a first-timer in the U.S. turn a summer job into a career-defining experience? We sat down with Dan to get his story (and, if we’re being honest, his playlist).
The Biggest Motivation
When Dan applied for Work & Travel USA, he had a goal that many participants share:
“When I got into college, I heard about this program where you work for three months and travel for one month,” Dan explained. “You experience American culture, make friends from all over, and share your own culture.”
But he also had a deeper, more personal reason.
“I wanted to gain self-confidence,” he admitted. “To exit my comfort zone and do things I don’t do every day.”
Dan understood something many travelers miss: cultural exchange isn’t just about discovering a new place—it’s about what that place helps you discover in yourself.
“Also to be away from family and close friends…you know, it’s like…a challenge,” he added, eyes brightening at the thought. It was clear this wasn’t a decision made timidly—it was made with a determination to live life to the fullest.
Was winning an award on Dan’s list? Not at all. But his growth mindset would guide everything that followed.
First Impressions Are (Not) Everything
Dan had figured out what he would do and why—but where would he spend his summer?
It wasn’t one specific job that caught his eye, but a place that would allow him to do many.
“I picked Shanty Creek because it had a strong reputation and a friendly environment,” Dan explained. “And I saw an opportunity to work in different departments—golf attendant, housekeeper, dishwasher, cook.”
This position was perfect.
But despite his journey’s happy ending, the beginning wasn’t quite what he expected. Instead of the exciting, adventurous America he’d seen in movies, he found himself in “very quiet” northern Michigan. When asked to describe it, he thought for a moment: “Forests.”
Luckily, Dan stayed open-minded and decided to give Michigan a closer look. The turning point for him? Fourth of July.
“After the Fourth of July, it got so interesting. I saw you can do interesting activities in Michigan. You could golf, you could go on the boat on the Torch Lake, and other activities like partying and things like this […] Golf is not a common sport here in Romania. Also we have a lot of laws so you cannot go out with a boat because there is gas and you can kill the fish.”
Then, he clarified with a smile, “But parties? Yes, you can have parties here in Romania.” And from what we’ve heard about Dan, he brings the party wherever he goes.
A Typical Not-So-Typical Day
Dan was hired to be a groundskeeper, which involved very early mornings and many different tasks — some less expected than others. We asked him to describe a typical day.
“I woke up at 6:00 a.m. At 6:30, the supervisor came to take me and my friend, Alex. And at 7:00 a.m., we start to do our tasks. I was a groundskeeper, so we did watering, planted some trees, and some flowers. We also did a lot of mulch.”
Still, his schedule was anything but predictable. One unexpected job—that eventually became his favorite—was making sand traps on the golf course.
“I could do the bunkers with the sand machine with the sand traps. And this was an amazing thing. I liked it so much…I really miss doing sand traps.”
When we told him Americans call that “doing donuts,” he laughed—a perfect cultural exchange moment.
Going Beyond the Job Description
Doing good work would have been enough. But Dan wasn’t satisfied with “enough.” He saw every task as an opportunity to problem-solve and work smarter, not harder—a quality that both employers and employees appreciate.
When he and three other colleagues were asked to move huge rocks up a ramp—in 93-degree heat, no less—Dan came up with an idea: put the workcart behind the rocks, wheel it in reverse, then throw the rocks in the new location.
“So we wouldn’t be as tired,” he explained. “To make our work physically easier because it was very hot outside. I also gave them many bottles of water.”
This extra effort did not go unnoticed. That kind of initiative — finding better ways to work rather than simply completing assigned tasks — earned Dan recognition from both his peers and management. As one coworker wrote in his Employee of the Quarter recognition letter:
“Dan is pretty good at finding the best ways to complete tasks. Whether using a different technique, or tool, I have learned from him, too.”
Shanty Creek’s HR team echoed this sentiment:
“Dan was a tremendous asset to our resort operations, always willing to step in wherever needed, and consistently went above and beyond to ensure our guests had the best possible experience. His work ethic, positive attitude, and versatility truly stood out.”
Positivity is Contagious
Dan’s innovative thinking made quite the impression, but what really made him stand out was something simpler: he treated every task with care, no matter how small or unglamorous. That commitment to doing small things well didn’t just earn him big recognition—it inspired the people around him:
“Dan always looks on the bright side,” said one colleague. “Even with the more strenuous tasks, his positive attitude and willingness to please shows throughout the Shanty Creek grounds. Dan’s positive attitude is contagious. There are even times you can catch him singing while he works. He is a pleasure to work with and makes work fun!”
The singing was our favorite part of Dan’s story. In addition to improving the functional parts of the job, Dan provided much-needed playfulness, laughter, and a Romanian soundtrack to help his fellow workers through those hot, tiring days:
“When we had a hard day, a hard task or something like that, I started to sing our favorite song. After that, we would have a good vibe. And also, when our supervisor heard our Romanian songs, she was very interested and curious to listen to them, and I gave her a playlist.”
His eyes lit up: “I will send it to you; you will like it.”
It did not disappoint. The song he shared — ”Made in Romania” by Ionut Cercel — has certainly helped us through more than a few busy work days of our own.
Taking It Home
Dan clearly made an impact at Shanty Creek Resort. But what did this summer mean for him?
“For me, the Work & Travel program was more than a summer job. It was an opportunity to grow, to improve my English, make new friends, and—the most important thing—gain self-confidence. Because I didn’t have so much. I wasn’t sure of myself before. But right now, I feel this self-confidence in me.”
That newfound confidence has already taken him far. When he received the Employee of the Quarter notification, Dan was traveling in Africa with his parents.
“I felt very honored and extremely grateful. Knowing that my colleagues voted for me made the award even more meaningful because it showed me that my work and my attitude had a positive impact on them and on my team.”
Of course, his award made his parents proud. But that’s not the only reason.
“When I came to the U.S. I didn’t know how to cook. In September, they needed one student for cooking, and I was very available. I went to the kitchen and didn’t know what to do over there. I was just joking with my friends that I hope I don’t set fire to the entire kitchen because I didn’t know how to cook,” Dan laughed. “But I learned. Right now, I’ve also started to cook food myself at home. My parents are very proud.”
His next adventure? Honduras.
“By the Shanty Creek Resort there were people…from Honduras and we made a strong friendship with them. I’m planning maybe next Spring to go and visit Honduras.”
Dan came to Michigan hoping to gain confidence. He’s leaving with an award, a Romanian-Honduran friendship, new skills in the kitchen, and a belief that he can do anything. That’s the power of cultural exchange.
Dan’s Message to Students Back Home
His advice to students considering exchange programs like Work & Travel USA was simple but powerful:
“Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Prepare to work hard, stay positive, and enjoy your beautiful experience in the heart of the U.S.”
Oh, and definitely try the pepperoni pizza—Dan’s favorite.
He’s honest about the adjustment period, though. The first month can be tough—culture shock, unfamiliar food, homesickness. But Dan promises it gets better:
“After that, you will not miss your family anymore because you will work—the time will fly fast. Also when you stay with your friends, it will be very nice.”
The key, he says, is pushing through that initial discomfort. Because on the other side? A summer that changes everything. As his story shows, a little open-mindedness and a positive attitude can transform those first-month challenges into the experience of a lifetime.
Bravo, Dan!
Ready to Write Your Own Success Story?
Dan’s story proves something important: the program doesn’t make the experience—you do. Work & Travel USA opens the door, but what you bring through it—your attitude, your work ethic, your willingness to turn challenges into opportunities—that’s what transforms a summer job into a life-changing moment.
Ready to write your own story worth singing about? We’re here to help you take the first step.
