Beyond the internship: Shifting the conversation with Connor Zamary

I’ve always been a planner, attempting to map out every detail of my future. From my academic path to my career ambitions, I sought to control every aspect of my life. Despite my best efforts, life had its own plans.

There is no way for me to plan where I will end up; life is just too unpredictable. I wish I could tell my 17-year-old self from rural Ohio that he would live in Boston, Massachusetts, Dallas, Texas and Madrid, Spain by the age of 21.

Growing up, I always imagined becoming a doctor because of my love for biology. When the time came to select a college, I found myself choosing Tufts University. While Tufts was never part of my original plan, I fell in love with the school before applying. I started college as a biomedical engineering major, but the incredible classes at Tufts convinced me to add computer science as a second major – yet another unexpected change to my plan.

Tufts was an eye-opening experience in many ways. The diverse and challenging curriculum pushed me to new limits. In addition to academic challenges, I faced unexpected personal struggles. Dealing with undiagnosed ADHD and anxiety, I felt stuck for a long time. Eventually, I found new ways to accomplish my goals by working with my brain rather than against it. These experiences taught me resilience and adaptability, essential traits for navigating an unpredictable world.

One of the most significant turning points in my journey was joining Sabre. When I started, I envisioned learning and identifying the specific area of computer science I wanted to pursue. Working on a project that required me to develop from front end to back end was a revelation. It was not just about coding; it was about bringing an idea to life from concept to completion. This holistic approach to development ignited a passion for the creative and entrepreneurial aspects of technology. I discovered a newfound love for building projects from scratch, a path I had never planned but one that felt incredibly fulfilling.

Planning has always been a crucial part of my life. It helps me set goals and provides a sense of direction. However, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of flexibility. Life’s unpredictability has led me to opportunities and experiences I could have never imagined. Embracing the unexpected has enriched my life in ways that meticulous planning never could. Learning to “go with the flow” brought me to opportunities I couldn’t have dreamed possible before. Although I won’t stop planning out my life, I can’t wait for the next exciting, uncomfortable and strange adventure it leads me to next.

Sabre is shifting the conversation with stories from curious, bold and committed team members globally. Throughout our internship program, we prioritize hands-on experience, empowering interns to develop new skillsets, pursue passions and explore out-of-the-box solutions. Learn more about how you can kick start your career at Sabre by checking out our internship opportunities.