Hi Everyone!

My name is Danielle Raunjak. I was lucky enough to successfully win the 2010 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Scholarship at Hostec International Academy! I have just completed my Year 12 studies at Bede Polding College in Windsor and look forward to a full packed adventurous year! I have recently become and food and beverage attendant at Crowne Plaza Norwest where I am learning everyday about myself and the best service I can give. Inserted is a photo of me working New Years Eve at Crowne Plaza! I enjoy work so much I find it hard to call it work! In my spare time I believe there is nothing better to do than eat delicious food and socialize with my unforgettable family and friends. I live about an hour west out of the city, so the hour and a half train ride may be exhausting but is well worth the culture and hussle and bussle of Sydney. I love China Town and Paddy’s Markets and couldn’t think of a better meeting spot than a good Yum Cha restaurant! My Dad was born in Austria whilst Mum was born in Fiji with Chinese, Samoan and Tongan running through her. I think the different cultures and traditions I have grown up around have allowed me to love Australia for its diversity and also made me grateful for what this amazing country has to offer.

I discovered Hostec through the annual Careers Expo held for Year 10 and 12 students at the Kingswood campus for UWS. This careers market changed my direction of schooling dramatically as I soaked up all information I could on colleges and courses for hospitality. I truly think that exposing yourself to resources such as careers expeditions and any information careers advisors give is the best advantage you can get in finding out what’s right for you. Hospitality has unconsciously been a way of life to me. I have grown up around great food, experienced many holidays from travelling to Fiji to camping down at the local river and always felt a reward in making people happy.

I can’t tell you what this year will hold for me, but I know it will go fast. I’m excited to meet both the international and domestic students I will be studying with and cant wait to develop myself and work within some of Sydney’s greatest hotels. I will update my blog regularly to keep you posted on the fun times and quirky tales of my life as a student. Becoming apart of Hostec I believe I am one step closer to where I want to be and I know that the teachers, resources and contacts Hostec has will enable me to grow as a person and within hospitality. I cant wait!

For now,

Danielle
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