MTEC talks careers at Kagman, Marianas High
- Student prizes winners pose with presenters from the Marianas Tourism Education Council and Marianas Visitors Authority at Kagman High on Oct. 20, 2016. Pictured with the students are MTEC chair Vicky Benavente, MVA community projects assistant Jennalyd Babauta, Fiesta Resort & Spa F&B director Das Krishnan, MTEC board member Larry Lee, and MVA community projects specialist Ryan Calvo. (MTEC)
- Das Krishnan, F&B director of Fiesta Resort & Spa, demonstrates how to make a virgin Bloody Mary as part of the career presentation of the Marianas Tourism Education Council on Oct. 20, 2016, at Kagman High School. (MTEC)
- Tenth graders of Marianas High School respond to questions during the presentation of the Marianas Tourism Education Council on Oct.13, 2016. (MTEC)
The Marianas Tourism Education Council has visited two more high schools this school year to talk with students about working in the tourism and hospitality industry.
MTEC visited Marianas High on Oct. 13, 2016, and Kagman High on Oct. 20 addressing 10th graders on various careers available in the industry.
“We’re planting the seed on what kinds of jobs are the students can think about in the near future,” said MTEC chair Vicky Benavente. “We have dynamic guest speakers such as Fiesta Resort & Spa Food & Beverage director Das Krishnan, who gave the students a sense of how and why to pursue a career in tourism.”
Krishnan joined the presentation at Kagman High and shared how he worked his way up through the ranks, beginning his hotel career as a cleaner. In addition to providing an overview on the industry, MTEC is regularly joined by representatives of the Marianas Visitors Authority, who educated the students on the role and activities of the state tourism office, including marketing activities and annual signature events.
“When I was in school and in MY WAVE, I actually didn’t know much about MTEC or tourism,” said MVA community projects assistant Jennalyd Babauta, who now educates students on the role and activities of the MVA. “It’s important to educate the young students on how important tourism is to all of us. They are the future of the industry.”
MTEC is visiting public high schools this month, middle schools in November, and elementary schools in the spring. Last year MTEC visited seventeen schools on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota in partnership with the MVA.
Schools interested in having an MTEC presentation may contact MVA community projects specialist Ryan Calvo at rcalvo@mymarianas.com or MVA community projects assistant Jennalyd Babauta at jbabauta@mymarianas.com or 670.664.3210 to schedule a date. Private schools may also have a presentation upon request. (MTEC)