What inspired you to pursue a path in travel, tourism, or hospitality?
It started because I have always been interested in food. From a very young age I wanted to be a chef or open a restaurant. When I enrolled in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at TMU, it opened my eyes to how large the industry truly is – it deepened my appreciation for the service, the culture, and the human connection behind it all.
What excites you most about the future of this industry?
The shift towards more intentional and experiential travel. I have observed that many travellers move towards immersing themselves in local culture and travel with real purpose, and the hospitality professionals get to help shape those experiences for these individuals.
What’s one experience (in either travel, school, or work) that has shaped who you are today?
One experience that shaped who I am today was my time as a team member in the Hospitality and Tourism Students’ Society (HTSS). I just finished my term as Executive Vice-President, and the three years in student leadership taught me how to adapt under pressure, it also helped me lead and develop emotional intelligence and learn how to show up consistently for the people I represented.
How do you hope to make an impact through your career in travel, tourism, or hospitality?
I want to eventually write and speak about hospitality and tourism in a way that goes deeper than surface-level reviews. My goal is to understand the industry from the inside out and use that knowledge to enhance how we think and talk about service, operations, and the guest service experience.
Why do you believe travel has the power to change lives or communities?
Travel has the power to change lives or communities as it puts you in situations where your assumptions and your perspectives can be challenged and expanded. It can celebrate local culture and maintain a community, but also can cause the opposite if careless — which is why the intention matters.
What has been your most memorable travel or hospitality experience so far?
My most memorable travel experience was my academic exchange to Lyon, France. As it is known as the gastronomic capital of France, it felt like a place I should be as a person into food tourism. Other than the food, navigating a new culture, language, and studying there was an amazing experience.
What destination is at the top of your travel bucket list right now and why?
A travel bucket list destination that is on the top of my list is The Philippines. I was born there and immigrated to Canada when I was young but have not been back since. Going back as someone who deeply values local culture and meaningful travel, it would not just be a trip, but very personal to me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about travel or your career?
To understand things from the inside before speaking about it from the outside. Essentially, to speak about something, you should experience it. Getting real credibility in the industry comes from understanding and doing the work first to have meaningful conversations.
As a Baxter Student Ambassador, what are you most excited to contribute or achieve this year?
This opportunity reflects my studies, leadership, and love for hospitality and tourism all coming together. I hope to show that this industry is about so much more than service; it’s about people, culture, and the experiences that connect us.
