With eyes full of hope and excitement, the newly enrolled first year students of V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE), recently celebrated the beginning of a new chapter in their lives with the Annual Fresher’s Party hosted by their seniors. The students were rather thrilled about experiencing some new-found thrills college-goers after a decade long sheltered school life. We spoke to a few new members of the VMSIIHE family in order to learn more about their thoughts on the upcoming years at the Institute.
Every year, VMSIIHE witnesses students enrolling from various parts of the country. Moving away from home to start university can bring a range of emotions and concerns, from how to make friends to navigating a new city. It’s normal for first-year students to be nervous and excited at the same time. When asked about his experience so far, Kottayam based Harry Zach Matthew, said “We have been on campus for a few weeks now. For me, it has been amazing here. The teachers are very friendly and helpful. The students are nice to each other and everyone is slowly starting to feel like family to me.
For hostelite Saloni Rajesh Rao from Porvorim, Goa, it was initially tough adjusting to new living situations but VMSIIHE has started to feel like a home away from home. “I got a chance to meet so many new people and made lots of friends! The food we get served here is absolutely great. I personally enjoy the Leadership Programme hours, during which you get a chance to work in any department of your choice and learn so much from it. Everyday has been a new experience for me so far.”
With dreams of voyaging on a culinary journey across the world, aspiring chef Uday Ralli from Jaipur says that the Institute has given him an opportunity to interact with people from different geographies and cultures. “It is my first time living alone, and it has strangely been quite phenomenal so far. The faculty and disciplinary system in place at VMSIIHE is equal parts strict and enjoyable which is what we need to prepare ourselves for the future.”
Right from an industry-focused curriculum that combines academic learning, hands-on experience, and professional internships, to state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, the new students find themselves in the midst of a sea of opportunities. According to Saloni, she chose VMSIIHE because it is one of the best hotel management colleges in India. “The facilities available here like the gymnasium, swimming pool, sports and recreational facilities are great. Students get to complete their internships at leading starred hotels in India and abroad. The institute is situated in Goa so I can still be close to my family.” expressed the budding entrepreneur.
The journey going forward is going to be all about overcoming fears, mastering new skills and excelling at the field they have such deep appreciation and passion for. It’s all about gaining independence and being happier and more responsible with it. The next few years hold several opportunities to make memories that last a lifetime with friends who will also last a lifetime. The aspiring CEOs, restaurateurs, chefs, hoteliers of this year’s freshers batch are ready to take a step closer to their dreams through hard work, discipline and dedication.
