Beyond Boundaries and Embracing Change
Jenrich from the Philippines is studying Certificate III in Commercial Cookery with TAFE Queensland, Townsville campus.
Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, challenging us to adapt, and unveiling opportunities we might never have considered. My personal journey as an international student from Philippines, currently pursuing a Certificate in Kitchen Management onto a Diploma in Hospitality in TAFE, is a testament to the power of embracing change. While my dreams once centred around becoming an engineer, life had other ideas for me. In this, I’ll share the inspiring story of how I stepped out of my comfort zone, embraced culinary and hospitality studies, and found invaluable lessons, experiences, and adventures in the vibrant setting of Australia, all while continuing to nurture my long-term dreams.
Chapter 1: Shifting Dreams
Growing up, my aspirations revolved around engineering, envisioning a future where I’d create and innovate in the world of construction and design. Little did I know that life would pave a different path for me. Instead of blueprints and equations, I found myself embarking on a journey to Australia, eager to explore the realms of Kitchen Management and Hospitality.
Chapter 2: Embracing the Unknown
Arriving in a foreign land is an amalgamation of excitement and uncertainty. Australia, with its diverse culture and welcoming atmosphere, quickly made me feel at home. It became evident that personal growth often accompanies stepping out of our comfort zones.
Choosing to study Kitchen Management and Hospitality was a significant departure from my original plan, but it opened doors to a world of creativity, guest service excellence, and culinary artistry that I had never envisioned.
Chapter 3: Lessons Beyond the Room
My journey has been more than an educational experience; it’s been a transformative life adventure. The dynamic world of hospitality taught me the essence of adaptability, leadership, and providing memorable guest experiences – skills that transcend the walls of café and restaurants.
Australia’s multicultural landscape exposed me to a wealth of cultures and tastes, reaffirming that embracing change and thinking innovatively can lead to extraordinary experiences and personal growth.
Chapter 4: Pursuing Dreams, No Matter the Timeline
Although my current path veers away from my initial engineering aspirations, I hold firm to the belief that life’s chapters are interconnected. My experience as an international student in Australia is a chapter of self-discovery, reigniting my passion for engineering, even if it means pursuing it at a later stage in life.
Big Thoughts:
Australia, particularly Townsville, has evolved into more than a place of study for me; it’s a canvas where I continue to craft the narrative of my dreams and a community that fosters personal growth. While life may not have unfolded as per my initial plans, I’ve learned to appreciate the unexpected detours that have enriched my journey. Honing my culinary and hospitality skills while keeping my engineering dreams alive. With the lessons, joy, experiences, and adventures I’ve encountered along the way, I am confident that my journey is a meaningful one, even if it’s not the path I originally envisioned. Life’s unpredictability is what makes our stories uniquely ours, and I am grateful for every moment of this extraordinary adventure.
October 2023
Photo Credit: Jenrich Cruz
