Sara Jones* was a hotel concierge in Townsville, North Carolina. She had been following the news closely about allowing migrant workers to take jobs in the tourism industry. It hit close to home for her, as her own mother had been a migrant worker when Sara was young, cleaning hotel rooms to support the family.

The news article triggered memories of her mother's struggles and determination to provide for them. Sara remembered how exhausted her mother always seemed, yet she never complained. It made Sara appreciate her own job even more, though the staff shortages meant long hours and increased stress.

Seeking a way to cope better, Sara and her coworker Mitch* started following the Stepping Into Action program they found online. Its mindfulness exercises and self-care tips helped them manage the intense workload. As Mitch said, 'That program was a lifesaver. It gave me tools to stay positive even on the toughest days.'

Some experts argued that allowing migrant labor was essential for the tourism industry's recovery. 'Hotels and restaurants cannot function without enough staff,' said one economist. However, others worried about exploitation of vulnerable workers and job competition for locals. 'We must prioritize protecting the rights and wages of all workers,' cautioned a labor activist.

Regardless of the ongoing debates, Sara was grateful to have found healthy ways of handling workplace stress. It was difficult to access such resources locally, so the online program proved invaluable. Looking back, she realized how fortunate she was to get that help, just as her mother had persisted through hardship for a better future.

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