Essays

CHEVONNE COTTLE-FORD Schiller University Scholar 2009
Upon receiving the news that I was chosen as one of the CHTA Education Foundation’s / Schiller International University scholars for 2009, I was elated. I was overjoyed and extremely grateful to the Foundation because I knew that receiving this scholarship would give me the opportunity to continue my studies as I work towards completing the MBA in International Hotel and Tourism Management at Schiller International University’s Florida campus.

The opportunity arose earlier this year for me to apply to the CHTA Education Foundation to benefit from their scholarship program. I was excited and hopeful because I was in need of financial assistance and, with two student loans pending; a faltering economy; increasing tuition fees; and added costs from an unanticipated additional semester on campus, my goal of earning my MBA by age 25 was becoming progressively daunting. I applied to the CHTA Education Foundation because all these factors were putting further strain on my limited financial resources and I was hoping for reassurance as the scholarship would help alleviate my financial crisis. Being a 2009 scholar has therefore allowed me to fully apply myself to my studies without the distraction of possibly sinking even further in debt, thus maintaining my excellent academic record with a current grade point average of 3.98/4.00.

Schiller International University became my institution of choice because I was attracted to the small class sizes and the international communities existing within. The small student population promotes a family-type setting and makes for greater opportunities to interact and participate in the classroom. My socializing and networking skills are definitely developing through Schiller. I now have many friends and school mates from all walks of life, even from places I previously had very little or no knowledge of, such as Belarus, Fiji and Kyrgyzstan. Since Schiller is an international university, there are ample opportunities for cultural networking and exchange, with student and faculty representatives from every corner of the world. Through Schiller, I have been experiencing other cultures, whether being showcased at cultural festivals or in my daily interaction with my peers. I have also had the honor of being inducted as a member of Young Skal, a division of Skal International, which gives me the opportunity to mix and mingle with owners of motor coach companies and travel agencies; sales and marketing professionals; and hotel general managers.

I am currently in my final semester at Schiller International University. Thus far, I have learnt about laws governing international business; organizational behavior in a global context; marketing across cultures and international boundaries; managing business at the strategic level; financial and managerial accounting and finance; among others. With regards to specific hotel and tourism courses, I have studied various hotel and restaurant accounting information systems, including property management systems and global distribution systems. There was also focus on managing human resources in the hospitality context which involved learning about ethics and various employment laws. I have studied cases in hotel and tourism management, which applied the concepts, learnt in class to possible real life scenarios. The common theme in all my courses has been the international and globalized nature of modern business, which has led to the increasing importance of cultural awareness in the face of cultural diversity in the workplace. In order to understand differences in others, I must first hone my intrapersonal skills, such as: self awareness; self control and self motivation; so as to increase my emotional intelligence, and ultimately improve my interpersonal skills.

The multicultural experience gained at Schiller is amazing. I love learning and expanding my horizons and Schiller has allowed me to do just that. Through Schiller, I have become more open-minded, accepting and appreciative of the differences in other cultures, both within the classroom and in my circle of friends. As such, I have become a more understanding and patient friend, classmate and individual, overall, with a broader view and understanding of the world.

By observing and interacting with diverse cultures at Schiller, and by having first-hand experience of life in America, I will return to the Caribbean with a wealth of knowledge derived from the vital formal and informal experiences of studying abroad. As a result, I would be more competent to assist in the development of the Caribbean tourism product by presenting a range of diverse views influenced by my international experiences. Also, with increased self-awareness I would have a better understanding of my capabilities, thus elevating my strength as a team worker, and enhancing my contribution to the people-centric, service industry that is Caribbean hospitality and tourism.

Once again, I extend sincerest gratitude to the CHTA Education Foundation for bringing me closer to achieving my career goals as a proud Barbadian and Caribbean ambassador.

Written by
Chevonne Cottle-Forde BSc. (Hons)


< Return to Essays Main Page

For more information please contact: foundation@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com