2015-2016 Annual Report
2015-2016 Annual Report
Counting my blessings has become a daily occurrence in my life. I consistently reflect on the tremendous opportunities that I have recently been given – opportunities I noticed when I began my collegiate career at FIU. Throughout my childhood, I was forced to become independent. If I wanted something, I knew that I would have to work extremely hard to earn it.
During my senior year of high school, my concern for the financial burden that college carried began to weigh heavily on me. In an attempt to fight the impending stress and anxiety, I focused on my faith and positive attitude. This newfound attitude allowed me to release all concerns when I began my first semester at FIU.
Through my hard work, I was recognized and awarded the prestigious Carnival Gold Scholars scholarship during my freshman year. Covering expenses – such as my tuition and fees, room and board, textbooks and supplies – the award has allowed me to strictly focus on my future at FIU. I am now living on campus, spending most of my time studying, and was recently named a dean’s list scholar – something I never imagined possible.
My dream job is to work in the hospitality industry. The Carnival Gold Scholars program has provided me with a variety of connections and experiences. In fact, I will be traveling to New York soon to participate in an internship program in my field of hospitality management thanks to the scholarship. I also volunteer for the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Experiences like these will allow me to turn my dream into a reality.
As I look at my life today, I am proud of the individual I have become. I continue to grow every single day, and I thank the Carnival Foundation for allowing me to strive. They saw the potential I had within myself and gave me hope – two things I will use to reach great heights here at FIU.
Thank you!
Price Destinobles
The FIU Chaplin School’s partnership with Carnival Foundation dates back to 2008, when Carnival Corporation’s charitable organization pledged a gift toward the Carnival Student Center that opened in 2011 on the Biscayne Bay Campus. The center serves as a hub where students meet to study and develop business relationships and where the school hosts industry roundtables, employer visits, recruitment activities, and job readiness training – among other activities. Demonstrating Carnival Corporation’s investment and commitment to excellence, selected Carnival Gold Scholars are the best and the brightest who reflect the future of the industry. They have demonstrated excellence in hospitality management and leadership even while still in high school – whether through programs, competitions, and industry-specific internships, such as the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AOHT) and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). Fall 2016 marks the program’s third cohort, while the first group of scholars are anticipated to graduate in 2018.