Swiss Hotel School welcomes first-year students
The Swiss Hotel School welcomed first-year students with staff introductions, campus tours, and an orientation session designed to help newcomers settle into academic life.
There’s a specific kind of magic that happens on the first day of university.
A mix of: Where do I go?, and I’ve finally made it. When the Swiss Hotel School (SHS) opened its doors to a fresh batch of first-years on February 3, they ditched the dry, corporate orientation style in favour of something that felt a lot more like joining a family.
Read more: Eat well and support students at The Swiss Hotel School
Stephen Hickmore, the school’s co-owner and director, set the tone by introducing the people who will actually be in the trenches with these students.
He pointed out Annette Weaver, a familiar face on campus for nearly two decades, who keeps the academic bar high while teaching the essentials of nutrition and safety. He also made sure to simplify the scary subjects, by introducing Dr Marietta Weisskopf. He reminded everyone that while economics and finance might sound intimidating, at SHS, they are taught as practical, everyday tools, rather than just numbers on a page.
Hospitality is a team sport, and the school made sure the newcomers knew that every role matters. Students were introduced to Uncle Leeman Dube, the campus spiritual advisor, who also pulls double duty managing the campus tap shop, Legit Brew, the perfect spot for a quick reset between classes.
Also read: Swiss Hotel School student discusses his passion for food
The atmosphere really shifted when Gaston, the school mascot, made his entrance, signalling it was time for the students to take the mic.
Each newcomer had the chance to share a bit about themselves, their dreams, and what brought them to SHS.
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: The Swiss Hotel School first year students introduce themselves and Stephen Hickmore, co-owner and director of the Swiss Hotel School, introduces The Swiss Hotel School staff members. Video: Nkazimulo Ncube #Swiss #Randburg ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
This wasn’t just an orientation; it was the moment they stopped being strangers and started becoming a community.
By the time the morning mix-and-mingle rolled around, the initial nerves had melted away, replaced by the sounds of new friendships forming as the first-years began their journey into the world of hospitality.
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