Bethany Loncher

I think my parents are the biggest reason for my success. I grew up in a traditional household, and my parents are still together today. They both were really hard workers, and seeing their progress over the years has been so inspiring. You know, getting out of college and not having a lot of money, and doing what they could, and now they're both very successful. I just think I learned my work ethic, especially, from them. They both have a really strong work ethic and are kind and honest in the work that they do as well. That foundation they gave me has carried through everything I've done in my career.

I think one time my mom told me to just pick something that I'm going to love to do, and I thought a lot about that as I was transitioning out of the classroom and into my current role. I feel like I grew up wanting to be a teacher, and so it was a little bit heartbreaking to realize that I didn't think I could do that forever, just because of the toll it was taking on me and my mental health and everything. So it was hard to transition out of that role, and I knew I was such a good teacher, but I just couldn't see myself doing that forever and still having a good life outside of my job. I think between picking something that you love to get up and go to work every day, but also that gives you that good work-life balance and some flexibility, that's kind of where I'm at right now.

I would just say, you know, stick with it if it is something that you love to do. It can be hard, it can be exhausting, but I went through a lot of difficult experiences as I was getting into college or going through my career, and you get a lot of things thrown at you that maybe you don't expect. But it's worth it in the end to stick through it and find that career that you love. Don't give up when things get tough, because if you're passionate about it, you'll find your way.

Specific to my field, the biggest challenge is just the ongoing Italian laws changing. What I do is a very personal thing for a lot of people. This is something that they want to get a European passport so they can move, or they want it to support their kids, or give it to pass it along to their kids as they grow up so they have extra opportunities. So it's a very personal thing when the law is changing, and having to tell somebody that this law has changed and now you're not really eligible - it's kind of heartbreaking. It happened to myself actually. I'm going through the process as well, and my line is cut, and so trying to pivot and find a new direction to go, it was probably the hardest thing. I hate having those conversations with clients.

I think honesty is a big one. We are very transparent in our work with the clients. We're not going to fluff anything as we're working with them. A lot of the Italian laws have actually been changing recently, and we're very, very transparent with our clients and everything that's going on. That's a big thing in my personal life, too. That's always been something I grew up learning - work with honesty in everything that you do. I think that reflects pretty well in my current position, too.