Driven By Ambition: HTM Student shares her inspiring journey

Anna Tolentino, International Student from the Philippines
Step into the sweet world of Anna Tolentino, a talented pastry chef and student of Hospitality – Hotel & Restaurant Services Management (HTM) at Seneca College.

When it comes to pursuing your passion, fear and uncertainty can often hold you back. But for Anna Tolentino, a student in Hospitality and Service Management at Seneca College, the desire to deepen her understanding of the industry and build a global career was stronger than any fear.

In this exclusive interview, Anna shares her inspiring journey of overcoming doubts and pursuing her dreams. From founding an online business to enrolling in Seneca's program, Anna's story shows that with determination and the right education, anything is possible.

Anna, a passionate and driven individual, has always been interested in the hospitality and service management industry. Her love for pastry and culinary arts started at a young age, and it eventually led her to start an online business with her sister. But Anna knew that in order to make her dreams a reality, she needed to pursue higher education in her field of interest. This decision brought her to Seneca College, where she enrolled in the Hospitality – Hotel & Restaurant Services Management (HTM) program.

Her journey at Seneca College was not an easy one, but it was definitely rewarding. She recalls feeling hesitant and fearful when she first decided to study abroad. But with the support of her family, Anna was able to overcome these negative feelings and focus on her studies.

Studying abroad is never easy and living in a different country and culture can bring about fear and hesitation. However, do not let these negative feelings overcome you and stop you from achieving bigger and greater things. After founding an online business with my sister, I felt the need to acquire in-depth knowledge, training, and experience in hospitality and service management.

Through her program, Anna gained in-depth knowledge and training in hospitality and service management. She learned about the different areas of service management and how to effectively lead a team in addition to her skills in pastry and culinary arts.

I became motivated to pursue an education that would make me globally competent. I decided to enroll in the two-year Hospitality-Hotel and Restaurant Service Management diploma program, which is designed to prepare students for a career in the dynamic worldwide hotel and hospitality industry. Having been in this field for years, I realized the need to deepen my understanding not only in pastry but also in how to effectively lead a team and learn the different areas of service management.

After conducting extensive research about different colleges in Canada, Seneca College stood out among the rest. I believe that this institution can provide me with the proper education necessary for my future. The programs they offer are impressive and remarkable, and I chose this institution because they are experts in providing a broad academic foundation in the Hospitality Hotel and Restaurant Service Management program.

She believes that Seneca College has helped her build her self-confidence and fearless attitude. Anna is excited to embark on her career in the hospitality and service management industry, knowing that she is well-equipped to face any challenges that come her way.

As a student at Seneca College, I am living proof that all these "will" and "can" statements are sensible and authentic. Seneca has provided me with many great opportunities to improve my career path. I am fortunate to have professors who share their expertise and help students. The past few months have not been easy, but our professors and the rest of the Seneca College family have made sure that all our concerns and needs are met to the best of their capabilities. After finishing my program, I am more than ready to conquer the real world.

With excellent education and proper guidance, I no longer doubt myself, and Seneca College has helped me build my self-confidence and fearless attitude that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Thank you, Seneca College. I am proud to call you my powerhouse! #ChallengeAccepted

With a passion for baking and an eye for detail, Anna has created an array of beautiful and delicious pastry creations that are sure to delight the senses.

In this gallery, we invite you to indulge in a visual feast of Anna's pastry creations, from delicate macarons to decadent cakes and everything in between. Each creation showcases Anna's unique creativity and skill in pastry arts, and will leave you craving for more.

Anna Tolentino's journey is a testament to Seneca’s commitment to providing students with excellent education and guidance. Her experience shows that with hard work, dedication, and the right support system, anyone can turn their passion into a profession. Anna's story is an inspiration to aspiring students in the hospitality and service management industry, proving that dreams can become a reality with the right education and mindset.

Now is your time to share your story
If you have a story to tell about overcoming challenges, pursuing your passion, or achieving your goals, we would love to hear it. By sharing your story, you can inspire and motivate other #SenecaProud students who may be facing similar challenges.

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Don't miss this opportunity to share your story and inspire others. We can't wait to hear from you!