Tess gets in her groove

ON THE TOOLS: Tennessee (Tess) Kemp has enjoyed her time as a student at EIT but has the itch to teach. Picture supplied

TENNESSEE Kemp got her foot in the working world as a barista and now has her eye on teaching.

The 19-year-old started by completing a Certificate in Food and Beverage Service at EIT's Tairāwhiti Campus, and loved it.

“I found it difficult some nights, but it was really good to get that experience and to serve customers,” said Tess.

Part of the programme involved the students working in the EIT's Toru restaurant serving customers, with a number of dinner services.

Her certificate led to a job at EIT Tairāwhiti's Hub Cafe, where she works as a barista and has become a popular figure serving staff and students.

She had plans to join the Royal New Zealand Navy and completed EIT's Services Pathway programme in the second half of 2020, but circumstances changed and she shifted her focus to the food and beverage programme.

Since completing the course Tess said she had the confidence to undertake the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) next year.

“I really enjoy EIT's Tairāwhiti Campus because there's a range of different courses.

“I've done two completely different courses at EIT, but they've all been really helpful for me. And it's just like a really small campus where pretty much everyone knows everyone there. So it's really nice.”Going forward, Tess wants to become a qualified early childhood teacher and is enrolling in EIT's programme next year will put her in a position to achieve that.

“I've been told by many people that I'm very good with kids and I always just love being around young children as it feels fulfilling. I've helped out at schools as a teacher aide, so I have had a little bit of experience.”

School of Tourism and Hospitality head Glenn Fulcher said hospitality is a great career and can also help people follow other paths.

“It's fantastic that Tess has been able to gain her food and beverage qualification. It's a certificate that has helped her grow her confidence interacting with customers and will support her financially with her journey into early childhood education.”