Essays

MAXINE PIERRE, Grenada Virgin Holidays Scholar 2008
My interest in Hospitality and Tourism management is inspired mainly by my own desire for the economic development of the Caribbean and specifically my homeland Grenada. It is my ultimate goal to become a strong businesswoman in the hospitality and tourism industry, combining culture, business, agriculture and the uniqueness of Grenada and other Caribbean islands.
I decided to begin my studies here at FIU during my teaching career at secondary school in Grenada. While this job provided inward satisfaction; to see students doing well academically, I knew it wasn’t enough to establish as a career. My interest was always business oriented, but it was only then I realized that it was specifically Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Knowing that my savings were nowhere near what I needed for studies, I decided that I must search for possible financial assistance, otherwise my plans for school would be put on hold. From surfing the internet to asking friends and family, I was able to come up with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation as a great source for support. I went through with the application process, doing each requirement for the application form with precision. I wrote my essay, got it proof read by one of the best English teachers on the island, assembled my certificates, filled out the forms meticulously, had my entire package reviewed and then submitted it, hoping and praying each day that I would be selected for even the smallest award. Louise John was overjoyed to inform me that I had won a scholarship, not just any scholarship…but the top scholarship in the region that year. She had absolutely no idea how much she changed my life then. I had never won anything in my life, and what a better way than to receive this prestigious award. The Virgin Holidays/CHTAEF scholarship, matched by FIU Hospitality Management is the reason I am pursuing my degree here in Miami, to give and receive so much knowledge.

My first year at FIU was extremely challenging. I had to put myself in a student position once more and balance this with my new environment. At the end of my first year, I had done courses in Hospitality Law, Hospitality Information Technology, Sustainable Tourism Practices and Lodging and Operations Control. Presently, I am taking Food Production 1, Managerial Accounting, Fundamentals of Management and Facilities Management. Sustainable Tourism Practices has been my most enjoyable course so far because it has made me more aware of the present environmental situation the Hospitality and Tourism industry is facing as a result of global warming. During my first year at FIU, I was a member of the West Indian Student Association (WISA). As a member of this group, I was able to meet many people from a similar background as myself and network with others that were interested in learning about the unique Caribbean culture. As a hospitality student, I was involved in a new hospitality club, which has unfortunately not been able to survive into Fall 2009. Presently, I am a new member of the NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) South Florida Chapter. It is a new and exciting experience for me since I have little knowledge of the hospitality and tourism industry outside of the Caribbean. During summer 2009, I returned home for a three month internship at the Calabash Hotel and Villas where I earned 440 internship hours. It was truly a unique and valuable work experience.

Upon Graduating from FIU, it is my hope to further my studies in Culinary Arts and Tourism. I hope to pursue a career that involves expanding the Tourism Industry in the Caribbean with consciousness of the effects we have on the environment. I aspire also to be a part of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation and its efforts to raise funds for Caribbean students like myself who need financial aid to pursue their degrees. Hospitality Management would provide for me the knowledge to expand my family’s business of cake baking and decorating. Presently, my mother operates from home, but has a significant portion of the market in Grenada. I hope to bring this business to another level; catering for events and providing signature cakes for export.
Knowing that I am supported by the Virgin Holidays team and CHTA Education Foundation, I am constantly motivated to perform at a very high level in academic and social experiences. My future career in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry will definitely allow me to be a voice for Caribbean Islands in their endeavor to become more alluring and sustainable for international recognition.


Written by
Maxine Pierre

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