Mystory@Vijay R. Rampariya: How I made the most of my college years

After completing 12th standard in the commerce stream I was looking for an admission to BBA in Bardoli but unfortunately, could not secure admission due to less percentage. I was idle and wasted till one fine day I overheard my brother speaking to his friend about his dream of opening a restaurant. My brother was looking for some support for this initiative and I was happy to volunteer.

I got to know about the Jindal School of Hotel Management. The institute was good and so was the course but the fee was on the higher side, practically unaffordable for a person like me who was from a poor family. I borrowed from my relatives with the help of my brother.

I went to college and I attend my first interview for admission which was in English. Being a Gujarati medium student all along I failed the interview though I begged for one opportunity by speaking about my dream and the importance of this particular program in realizing my dream. They agreed and I signed up for a second trial for which I barely got one to prepare.

I studied overnight without electricity for getting admission into Jindal School of Hotel Management. I took my elder brother’s help to improve my English and communication skills, also looked up the Internet about the hotel industry and found some very useful information. I am grateful to God and my elder brother who helped me prepare for admission interviews. I gave a second trial and the interviewer was impressed this time to see a huge improvement in me in just one day. He gave me admission.

I started my journey in 2008 as a hotel management student. First day of college again it was a bouncer for me. Ms. Rose Robbie Mathew, a faculty member, spoke about the course and welcomed the students and I could not understand anything. After the welcome ceremony, all the students went to the hostel. I was a very shy person but had to overcome my shyness to approach other students to ask them what exactly Ms. Mathew had said.

To learn and understand the course and the subject I would regularly take help of my college seniors and colleagues, as well as faculty. I used to take extra classes in college which hardly few students would do.

I used to walk every day about five to ten kilometers for study and research which helped me in completing my projects and assignments. I also undertook a part time job after class hours and would earn Rs. 1000 per month. I would do out door catering or ODC where I earned Rs. 500 per ODC. This was my pocket money and was very helpful in dealing with daily expenses.

This late night work helped me during my industrial training where the rule in the industry is that there is a time to report to work but no time to go home. I was working about 17 hours daily for about 6 month. It was difficult but somehow I managed to complete my training. I got awarded the best trainee from Park Plaza Hotel, Jodhpur. My simple principle was to work without argument. Listen to your superiors and follow them, ask for help, be honest, hardworking, well-groomed and punctual.

Somehow I completed my first year though due to financial problems I had to drop out of the course. But I requested the owner if I could rejoin after six months, and she agreed.

During this period I decided to earn some money as well as test my skills so I joined Honest Restaurant which is a fast food chain. I worked for about six months as a Restaurant captain.

Finally it was a time to join back the college. In my second year, the principal of the college, Mr. Srinath was very impressed with my skills as I had improved immensely as an individual. He appreciated me in front of all the students. But I failed my French language paper and that was a source of great tension for me. I requested the academic head, Mr. Matthew for extra classes to which he agreed and these helped me a lot. During this period, I was studying till 4 am in the morning every day.

Finally, my hard work paid off and I cleared the program with a third rank. I was awarded ‘Budding Hotel Professional’.

Today, after five years, I am placed at a good position in the industry, working as a project head in Panchavati Garden Restaurant earning Rs. 45000 per month.

If ever given a chance, I would like to perform even better in college. Hope this helps motivate and inspire all students to achieve their goal. Best of luck!

About the Author

Vijay Ramnikbhai Rampariya belongs to Surat. He has done a Diploma in hotel and restaurant management as well as 3 years’ degree course in Hospitality and Tourism Management along with a Tally 9.0 certificate course. He holds an experience of 5 years’ in Food and beverage service industry, and is currently working as a Project Head in Panchvati Garden Restaurant. His hobbies include playing cricket and cooking.