Essays

SHELLY-ANN STANISLAUS - Virgin Holidays Scholar 2007
I shall begin on Graduation Day – I was so proud to graduate with Honors from Johnson & Wales University. It felt wonderful to represent myself, my family & my country St. Lucia. My parents were thrilled and I cannot thank CHTAEF and Virgin Holidays enough for the opportunity they have given me.

I applied to CHTAEF for a scholarship to study Hospitality Management during the time I was employed with Sandals Resorts International, which is a member of the CHTA. At that time I was eager to further my education but had insufficient funds to pursue it. This opportunity came at a very opportune time and I am absolutely grateful to the CHTAEF and Virgin Holidays for the prospect of a rewarding future in the hotel industry.

I was accepted and enrolled at the Johnson and Wales University (North Miami Campus) in September, 2007 and I must say with assurance and sincerity that Johnson and Wales University (JWU) is not like any regular college – we are the best. The faculty and staff work closely with students to ensure success. They bring real life experiences to the classroom and hands-on learning as well. Johnson and Wales University has played a major role in shaping educational opportunities for many years and has a proud record in the field of Tourism and Hospitality. The University gives students a professional and international based perspective on hospitality and the hotel industry.

Almost every day a student finds the opportunity to meet with some important personality in the industry and he or she has a chance to network, exchange ideas and experiences, and interact positively with other student. Hence the reason why we adhere to a professional dress code in the class room because there may be an opportunity to shake hands with your future employer at any given time of the day and we were taught that the first impression has to be a lasting one. JWU has taught me how important it is to network and look my best at all times.

Apart from various academic and technical classes such as Food Safety and Sanitation, Hospitality Accounting, Hospitality Law, Economics and Sociology my personal favorite which is a form of experiential education is my externship. I have been distinguished with many training tools that will assist with internal and external customer service at any hotel in the future. In every class, professors stress the importance of teamwork and team building because it gives one the opportunity to work with all sorts of persons. Consequently, you will be better equipped to efficiently and effectively work in the real world. This is by far the most important professional advice one could receive and take back and apply within the Caribbean Hospitality and Tourism sector.

At the completion of my course of study with enhanced fresh and new ideas I am returning to St. Lucia full of enthusiasm to put what I have learnt into practice. I look forward to the day when the passion within me opens that opportunity to become a hotel owner.

With grateful thanks to the CHTA Education Foundation and Virgin Holidays for allowing me this wonderful opportunity.


Written by
Shelly-ann Stanislaus


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