As a high school teacher in the early 1990’s, Judy Dickson decided to take her students to a tourism careers day coordinated by the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council. She was so impressed by the range of career options, professionalism of the industry and opportunities presented, that she developed a passion for teaching and engagement with the Industry that was to carry her through the remainder of her teaching career. Judy was instrumental in the development of the Canadian Academy of Travel and Tourism and building academic curriculum for Tourism 11 and 12 in Nova Scotia High Schools. She believes tourism is much more than a high school credit; as her students have learned a greater understanding of the role of tourism in the economy and the essential communication and service skills needed for success in any career.