Essays

Volanda Rahming, Bahamas
CHTA Education Foundation / Johnson and Wales Scholar 2009.
I applied for the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation Scholarship, because I wanted the opportunity to study Baking and Pastry Arts abroad. This scholarship has allowed me to pursue my dream at Johnson and Wales University. The experience thus far has been extremely rewarding, as I have had the privilege of being taught by certified master bakers, to participate in special events and to tour with the international community.

The school has also afforded me networking and cultural exchange opportunities. Take for instance my baking science class where I prepared guava duff, a famous Bahamian dessert. This introduced my classmates all the way from Venezuela to the rich cuisine I grew up on. Moreover, the school offers study abroad programs that give me the chance to take courses in Australia, Belgium or even Central Europe. Thus, granting me the occasion to not only learn about other cultures but too experience them as well.

Most importantly I have learned so much from my classes, clubs and lecturers during my short time at the school. Some of the classes that I am taken this semester are Cookies and Petit Fours, Baking Science and Communication Skills. Respectively each of these courses has equipped me with knowledge on how to bake cookies, the chemical reasoning why we do what we do in baking and how to verbally connect with my customer’s. It truly is the complete package when you study here at Johnson and Wales. Another thing that stands out about my school is the knowledgeable and engaging lecturers. For example, my first open house for the special functions team. Chef Flores the instructor for the event helped me step by step prepare the chocolate mousse. He demonstrated as well as explained how to know when the chocolate is melted correctly and the right way to fold in each ingredient to maintain maximum volume in the product. It was a wonderful learning experience!

I believe that with all the knowledge and connections obtained at Johnson and Wales University, that I will be able to improve the Caribbean culinary sector. I feel that when armed with my degree that I can bring new ideas and improve upon an already sound culinary foundation in the Bahamas. I intend to still open my bakery and pastry workshop in the summer to work hands on with children. I would once again like to thank the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation for allowing me to pursue my dreams.


Written by
Volanda Rahming


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