From Server to Scholar – My Journey of Resilience and Triumph

In hospitality, there is a seat at the table for everyone no matter your background, your beginnings, or where your journey starts. My story is proof that with passion, perseverance and the right opportunities, dreams can become reality.

Twenty-five years ago, I began my career in the hospitality industry as a cocktail server, not having the opportunity to graduate from secondary school and having no college degree. Growing up, education wasn’t prioritized in my household and for many years, I believed that my options were limited. But hospitality gave me a chance. What started as just a job quickly became my purpose.

Driven by a passion for people and service, I embraced every opportunity to learn, grow and lead. I worked my way up from server to supervisor and eventually into leadership. However, my lack of formal education consistently hindered me. I wanted to elevate my skills and gain the knowledge I needed to make a greater impact in the industry I had grown to love.

That moment came when the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association through its collaboration with Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, offered a scholarship program designed to empower Caribbean hospitality professionals. After hearing my story, I was honored as a Gold Scholar into their program, a life-changing opportunity that transformed both my career and my confidence. Les Roches saw my potential and provided the opportunity that many universities would not typically consider for someone without a traditional academic background.

The program was rigorous, inspiring and deeply rewarding. I gained advanced knowledge in leadership, finance, marketing, and operations, while collaborating with professionals from around the world. It gave me a global perspective and equipped me with the skills to manage complex hospitality environments with innovation and strategy.

Today, I am honored to hold a Master’s in Advanced Studies in International Hotel Management, a milestone that represents years of dedication and perseverance. I am privileged to have been selected as the face of the Les Roches Scholarship Campaign for 2025 and appointed as a Caribbean Ambassador for the institution. In addition, I hold certifications as a Certified Food and Beverage Executive, a Certified Train-the-Trainer professional, and a HACCP-accredited food safety trainer. These accomplishments signify more than personal success; they embody the transformative power of education, opportunity and belief.

Currently, I serve as the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at The Landings Resort and Spa where I continue to contribute to operational excellence and team development. I am also an active member of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Young Leaders Forum, where I dedicate my time into transforming Caribbean hospitality and encouraging individuals who, like me may have once doubted the possibilities before them.

My story is not just about progressing from server to scholar. It is about resilience, transformation and the impact of investing in people. This serves as a profound reminder that the hospitality industry is an inclusive space, offering opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds. When such opportunities are embraced, we not only advance ourselves but collectively elevate the standards and success of the entire industry.

Tamar Severin
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager
The Landings Resort and Spa