Three years ago she was a line cook at The Swizzle Inn — now she is kitchen supervisor at one of the world’s top hotel brands.

By receiving the Tomasz Tabor Hospitality Scholarship, Sajni Richardson was given a helping hand on the path to her job as a full-time kitchen supervisor at the prestigious JW Marriott Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

She is encouraging other students to give themselves a similar chance by applying for the award this week.

Ms Richardson was one of the scholarship’s first recipients, winning $10,000 in August 2015. She has since graduated from Magna Cum Laude from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, and says that it enabled her to complete her education and join the post-graduation Voyage Programme, which helped her land the Marriott job.

Ms Richardson had worked at several restaurants during her school years, including The Swizzle Inn, Marcus’ Bermuda, and the Harbour View Hotel in Martha’s Vineyard.

“I graduated and then I’d joined the [job programme] soon after, and it was thanks to the scholarship that I was able to attend,” she said.

“It’s a great industry and it’s rewarding, and if you’re thinking about getting into it because you love hospitality and serving others, then I think you should definitely apply,” she said.

The Bermuda Hospitality Institute says that applicants, who must be aged 18 or older, will be assessed on their personal and academic achievements, as well as their passion for the industry.

Malika Cartwright, BTI’s executive director, stated: “We know from feedback we have received these scholarships mean a lot to those studying hospitality.

“Past winners have been extremely grateful and excited for the added support and in some cases it has meant the difference between whether they get to continue their studies here and overseas, or not.

“Hospitality is one of the fastest-growing industries not only in Bermuda, but worldwide and there are so many different industries that fall under the hospitality banner.

“If there’s something you like, whether it is in culinary arts, customer service, marketing or even business related, most times we can find a pathway for you in hospitality.”

Launched in 2014, the scholarship was created to honour the life of Tomasz Tabor, a local chef and golfer who lost life in a road accident three years ago.

Since his passing, Mr Tabor’s family and friends have hosted the annual Tomasz Tabor Memorial Golf Tournament and Raffle, with proceeds going towards the scholarship to enable young people who share Mr Tabor’s passion for hospitality.

Applicants must register before Friday by visiting www.bermudascholarships.com.

For more information visit www.bhi.com.