Genesis Torrez, B.S. in Hospitality Management (4+1), 2024

Genesis Torrez became one of five recipients of the Carnival Gold Scholarship. Torrez, a child of Nicaraguan immigrants, was introduced to FIU’s Chaplin’s School of Hospitality and Tourism in high school and knew tourism was the industry for her. She started her collegiate career as an online student during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Torrez is heading toward candidacy for the Hospitality and Tourism 4+1 master’s program. Follow along as Torrez illustrates her story.

What is your major and when do you graduate?

I am majoring in Hospitality Management with a focus in Travel & Tourism. I will be graduating with my bachelor’s in the spring of 2023 but am also part of our 4+1 master’s program so I will also be graduating with my master’s in the spring of 2024.

What is your background?

I'm from Miami, I've practically lived here all my life, but both my parents are Nicaraguan. I am first generation in my family and don't carry that lightly, my family has always supported me and are my motivators.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I hope to be working with an Ecolodge or an environmentally focused hotel that strives to focus on preservation, education, and inviting guests to help improve the community they are visiting. Becoming a director of sustainability and health sounds like the perfect role for me where I not only meet my professional career goals, but I also embody my personal morals and ethics.

What led you to this field and why did you choose FIU?

I was very fortunate to have a great awakening from my hospitality advisor in high school who saw my skills and helped me acknowledge how I could use them for a professional career. As a freshman in high school, I knew that FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management was the best place for me. I felt supported by my high school advisor, my family, and I knew that I could get that continuous encouragement at FIU.

Have you completed any online courses?

Yes! I was in the high school graduating class of 2020, so I began FIU completely online and remote. I've been fortunate enough to take a variety of classes online from the introductory university core curriculum requirements to intro level hospitality courses. Starting college online was never how I thought my journey at FIU would start. However, I am grateful for that experience because it helped me learn and become aware of the flexibility I have as a working student thanks to FIU.

How did you hear about the scholarship?

I heard about the Carnival Gold Scholarship through that same high school hospitality advisor. When I became aware of this scholarship freshman year of high school, I made it a priority to work toward this goal for the next three years. I knew that I wanted to be able to fulfill all requirements so that when it came time to apply for senior year, I would have the best chance at getting an interview and being rewarded as one of five Carnival Gold Scholars.

How has this scholarship helped you?

My scholarship has done more than what my family and I could ever imagine. My whole life I have dreamt of this opportunity and having it as a reality has been so gratifying. I am forever grateful to be able to not have to hesitate on opportunities or experiences that the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism offer me due to financial worries. I not only have this financial relief, but I also have received incredible support and resources from my advisor and career advisors. There have been no limits thanks to the scholarship. I have been able to participate and perform at my highest ability.

What do you think the impact will be on your future?

There is no doubt that my future has been positively impacted by FIU and the scholarship I have been rewarded with. The experiences and networking connections are forever invaluable to me and will be a major contributor to my future. I'm confident that I have developed into who I want to be while being at FIU and feel I have been given the most exciting education possible. I'm thrilled to see myself advance and progress in the hospitality industry and will eternally be grateful to all those that have supported me from the start including FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism.