Until April 2007 when she joined The Tourism Academy @ Sentosa, Wendy Wee Yin Ping was already a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature from SIM University, and an Operations Executive at Thomson Medical Centre. There, she reported directly to the Chief Operating Officer and dealt with every conceivable work one could get into, from administration to coordination to project management to events organisation. Already in her late 30’s and married for over ten years to a doting husband, with two lovely daughters of eight and five years of age, not to mention a stable career in the healthcare industry, why would Ping (as she was affectionately called in school) take such a dramatic turn and pursue a diploma with The Tourism Academy? I decided to catch up with her and here’s what I found: - So Ping, why did you do it?
“Basically, I thought it was high time I put into action what I actually enjoy doing; meeting people and doing what I am passionate about - providing good, wholesome, no-nonsense food.” - Why not pursue a post-graduate course since you already possess a basic degree?
“Doing a degree in hospitality does not equip me with hands-on skills. It also does not allow me to work with people on the ground in hospitality. I want to learn the basic skills from scratch such as holding a tray full of glasses, working closely with chefs in a real kitchen and serving guests on Sentosa. Doing a degree will not give me such a hands-on working experience. Also, the fact that this diploma programme covered everything I wanted in just two years was a big plus.” - What other choices did you consider before finally deciding on The Tourism Academy?
“I had considered other institutions like SHATEC and even the equivalent diploma programme (Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management) in Temasek Polytechnic’s main campus. However, the former lacked business modules whilst the latter (though cheaper), lasts for a longer period of three years, and covered modules on personal character development which catered more for young secondary school leavers, not a working adult like me. I even thought about jumping straight into F&B work but felt that it was important for me to get a bigger view of the whole hospitality and tourism industry first.” - Did you worry that you would have problems coping after not being a student for so long?
“Actually I thought it would be a breeze! Haha…but now as I look back I realise it was anything but! Still it was rewarding and I learned a lot about the industry, not to mention the different nationalities I found in my classmates.” - You had classmates from more than ten different countries. Any particular nationalities you were close to?
“My classmates came from China, Myanmar, Indonesia and many other places. I got along well with most of them; in fact I often found myself playing the big sister role to them!” - What were some high points during your two years with The Tourism Academy?
“Being able to speak to my instructors and tutors as equals was something I really enjoyed. The chance to learn from them and also from industry professionals who often came in as guest speakers really enriched my learning.” “The worst time for me must surely have been the time I changed not one, not two, but three domestic helpers back home! All during the end of the third semester, with assignment deadlines looming, subject presentations due, not to mention the examinations just around the corner. It was all I could do to keep from quitting school!” “My family was very supportive, including my previous helper whom we remained in close contact. She even called to provide advice and counsel my new helper. Not forgetting my dear classmates who would provide me with notes when I simply have no time to print them.” - What advice would you have for others out there like you who are considering a mid-career move like you did?
“Do your homework thoroughly and be very sure of what you want, because there will be naysayers along the way. Enjoy and be open to new experiences; allow room for mistakes in order to learn and grow. Do not despise the youthfulness of your classmates because despite the age difference, you will have lots to learn from them too.” Reported by Kelvin Seah, Lecturer Tue 24 Mar 2009 | 
