These graduates have worked hard to complete their diploma programs, and this was a day to celebrate with their family, friends and the entire team of faculty and staff at Eton College!
One of our former students and an alumna of Eton College, Amanda Marr, joined us in congratulating the new graduates. Here is Eva’s speech from the 2015 graduation ceremony.
Good afternoon graduates,
I want to personally congratulate you on your academic success and wish the best for your future. It’s a success truly deserved and an achievement you have earned. Nothing worth having comes easy. Stay positive, stay ambitious, stay focused, stay humble, and above all else have faith.
I graduated from Eton College in 2010 with a diploma in hospitality management. By deciding to do the eight month accelerated program it gave me the opportunity to get my foot in the door faster than if I had taken a two year program at a community college. I’m not saying it was easy, full time school plus a full time job was difficult to manage. But I was determined to get through it and within a year I had earned back the money invested on my education.
My experience at Eton College was everything I had hoped for. It not only prepared me for my career, but also a life outside of my career. The teachers were exceptional and truly cared for their students. They were and still are interested in all the graduate’s achievements. The small class sizes offered me and fellow students more one on one time; and I found it very beneficial that they were able to talk about relevant experiences from working in similar industries. While going to school I gained a passion for the hospitality industry, the idea of making a difference in people’s experiences was exciting to me. I wanted to make sure the career path I chose had purpose.
Within the past 4 years I have worked my way up by being devoted to what I do. I worked in various positions such as banquets, serving, front desk, reservations, and sales. Most of this time was spent where I currently work at the pinnacle hotel at the pier in North Vancouver. I feel working my way up was the best way to learn the industry and get a feel for the way each department is responsible for the overall success of the hotel.
I am currently the sales coordinator at the Pinnacle hotel and am so thankful for the opportunities given. I am working towards becoming a sales manager at the property, and strive to be the best that I can be. My long term goal is to work on a business plan and eventually own and run a boutique resort. To some of you that may seem more like a dream then a goal, but anything is possible if you believe it will happen.
Doubt in yourself will keep you from achieving your goals.
I remember having a hard time after high school figuring out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. After selecting the hospitality industry I would say to myself “if this is the program for me let me do well”, “if this is the career for me let me do well”. I have not worried during this whole journey and it’s all been falling in place. I am so thankful and so blessed.
Some advice I have for you would be to make sure your being realistic when it comes to finding a job in the industry you went to school for. It can take some time, don’t be discouraged if something doesn’t happen right away. If you don’t get the job you wanted it just means that job wasn’t for you.
It’s best not to put all your eggs in one basket, apply for 5, 10, or 20 jobs not just two. And you can’t expect to land a management position right away, you need experience.
Ask questions if you don’t have the answer, it’s better to ask then to make a mistake even if you feel uncomfortable.
If you want to move up you need to let management know, show them you’re interested. They can’t read minds, talk about your goals and what you want. Remember….the company is technically hiring you but you need to make sure it’s a company that will help you succeed and help you grow.
Work hard, go above and beyond even if you think no one recognizes your hard work. It still gets noticed.
I would like to share a quote with you this afternoon that has personally helped me get to where I am:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have always imagined”.
-Henry David Thoreau
Congratulations again Eton graduates, anything is possible.
