Forward Magazine: Campus Dining Edition August 2023

Roadmap to BOLD Networking as a The Great Discovery

First Gen. Student

The Power of RoutineBuilding Healthy Habits for a Balanced Life

The Importance of Traditional Foods by Indigenous Peoples

Triumphant Compass Profitable Tips For Inspiring Entrepreneurs

Dear Campus Dining Community,

Cheers to a BOLD new year! As we embark on this fresh chapter, we are thrilled to present FORWARD Magazine, filled with a commitment to excellence and attention to detail that sets us apart. This year, our focus remains unwavering: to provide exceptional service and go the extra mile because each and every one of you is worth it.

Within these pages, you will discover a celebration of flavors that excite the palate and stories that take you behind the scenes of our campus eateries. Our team has scoured every nook and cranny to unearth hidden culinary gems, ensuring that you have access to the finest dining experiences.

At the heart of our mission lies a dedication to exceptional service. Our dining staff, the unsung heroes of our community, put their heart and soul into crafting each meal. They take pride in the details, from the perfect plating to the carefully selected ingredients, all with the intention of creating a memorable dining experience for you.As we enter the new year, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and mindful eating. We recognize that the choices we make today impact our future. By prioritizing ethically sourced ingredients and minimizing waste, we strive to leave a positive legacy for generations to come.

In 2023, we aim to take our commitment to excellence even further. We will invest in new technologies to streamline our service and ensure that your dining experience is smooth and hassle-free. Through this magazine, we invite you to join us on this journey of culinary excellence and exceptional service. Together, let’s savor the moments, celebrate the small joys, and cherish the connections made over a shared meal. You, our dear readers, are at the heart of everything we do, and we want you to know that you are worth the extra mile.

Thank you for being a part of our dining community. Here’s to a year of bold and delightful flavors, memorable experiences, and a luxurious campus dining experience.

Maurice P. Jenoure, Chief Operating Officer

Dina Zaikouk, Vice President of Operations

#LuxeLife Welcome BACK TO THE

TheLuxeLifeisatermcraftedbyourteamofcollegestudentinterns to convey the attention to detail, commitment to excellence and exceptional customer service that will be felt and experienced by each guest. As we welcome students back to another exciting year, we want to normalize the reality that our guests are worth going the extra mile. This year will be equal parts fun, fulfilling, and filled with teachable moments.

TH Campus Dining Welcomes:

Hampton University

Wilberforce University

Cheyney University

The Great Discovery ROADMAP to BOLD NETWORKING AS A FIRST-GENERATIONCOLLEGE STUDENT Dear Students,

When attending college, it is essential to remember the end goal: to gain enough experience to thrive in your future career properly. The most significant difference between high school and college is the freedom and autonomy over your success. To contribute to your success, every institution has resources to help you take the next step as a growing professional. In your journey through college, you will discover just how vital building connections are and how to use networking to advance in your career field. Building connections in college can lead you down the road to success. The beauty of college is the different people you will meet from various backgrounds trying to make a way in their respective fields. One of the ways you can build connections is through networking, traditionally between professionals and aspiring professionals, where they exchange information to help further career goals and social contacts. It may be difficult breaking out of your comfort zone and talking to people you have never met. We at Campus Dining at Thompson Hospitality can help!

Sincerely,

Thompson Hospitality

Join Student Organizations

Networking continues beyond industry professionals and future employers. Networking starts with the connections you have with your peers. Getting involved on campus is the perfect way to build rapport and keep in touch with what is happening at your university. Depending on the student organization, you will be volunteering in the community, having events on campus, and obtaining relationships with faculty and staff, as they often oversee student organizations. As a member of your organization, begin to build those relationships by simply talking to the members of your organization. You can gain a lot from those connections, such as career opportunities, new friends, and scholarships. Also, joining the organization can help you add to your resume by including the skills you obtain from involvement. These skills will help you throughout your professional career in various ways and allow you to stand out from other candidates.

Attend Career Fairs

Career fairs may seem only necessary when looking for a job, but they are also a great way to meet people directly in the career you are striving for. Before going, check in with your career center to see what companies will be represented there and research them. While studying, narrow down and select companies that pique your interest and relate to your field. It is important to have questions ready for them to show your interest and help you understand what opportunities are available for you. Also, before attending, practice how you will introduce yourself to various companies with your friends. Start with your name and significance and insert any leadership positions you may have with organizations you are a part of. As the conversation flows, follow up with some of your questions about the company. As you move on to speak with the next company, end the conversation by asking for their business card or email or inquiring about a pamphlet that may be on their display and thanking them for their time.

Attend Guest Speaker Events

Various guest speaker events will be open throughout the school year for the campus community to attend. From community leaders, authors, notable alums, and more, there are opportunities to hear from outstanding individuals who are knowledgeable in their field. Only some guest speakers will talk about their careers and instead will share information that may spark inspiration in you. Following the speaking engagement, try to speak to people afterward and share knowledge of the event. If able, introduce yourself to the speaker. This is the time to ask questions about the topic and any professional advice they may want to share with you as a student. Not only are you networking, but you are also obtaining information you can use forever.

Build A Connection With Your Professors

Many college professors are experts in the subject they teach and even have field experience. Regardless of where they are in their careers, they have a ton of information and access to resources. Talk to your professors after class or visit them during their office hours to ask them questions about their journey in their professional careers. Building that connection with your teachers is crucial as they can follow up with you about internship and job opportunities they see because you have expressed interest in certain areas. There are many ways to learn from your professors outside the course materials, so don’t hesitate to ask!

Nurture Connections

Following meeting people at professional events or having a conversation on the go, remember to keep in contact with them. The best way to connect with people you meet is by sending a follow-up email thanking them for the conversation or wisdom they provided you with. The email should be brief but emphasize who you are and where you met them to jog their memory of you. Continuing to nurture connections directly shows interest and can lead you to be thought of when job or internship positions open. These connections can also lead to mentorship as you navigate your college and professional career.

Invitations to private dining events at their HBCU hosted by campus dining.

Premium sections and priority access to giveaways.

Monthly Previews of exclusive content from Campus Dining.

Virtual Meetups like BINGO, Game Night, Speed Networking and more!

Text#Deluxeto830-357-7630tojoin!

The Power of Routine

How to Create Healthy Habits for a Balanced College Life

There are only 24 hours a day, with about eight hours recommended to rest your body the following day. Each day, it is essential to try to make the most out of your day. Often, we get caught up trying to get everything done in one day, forgetting to take care of ourselves. College is hard, and navigating when you need help knowing where to start is difficult. Creating a routine is the easiest but most challenging way to begin getting ahold of your college career.

A routine allows you to maximize your day by creating set times to get things done. Having a routine also pushes you to develop sound and healthy habits. With the freedom that comes with college, having a routine will allow you to adjust to the new environment smoothly, eliminating the added stress you may develop.

If you want a way to add ease to your life with a routine, Campus Dining at Thompson Hospitality is here to help you begin. Here are some ways to create healthy habits for a balanced college life through a routine.

1.Start Small

When starting a routine, you may be eager to immediately fix and eliminate all the bad habits in your life. However, that may be slightly overwhelming. Instead, take it one step at a time. Assess what is wrong. Create a routine one thing to change in your routine that may need fixing. Better Sleep schedule, better eating habits, eating healthy, more time for course work, etc., and create a plan of action to deal with it one at a time.

4.Plan Ahead

2.Set Goals

Once you have it all together, prioritize what is the most important to you and set your goals accordingly. Categorize those goals as short-term and long-term. Let your short-term goal be the driving force and influence your long-term goals. For instance, your short-term goal could be simply waking up on time to eat a healthy breakfast to give you the energy to stay focused in class, with the long-term goal of obtaining a higher grade in the course.

With the hustle and bustle of college life, you can easily stray away from the routine you have set. If you find yourself wandering away from the routine you create, look at your week ahead and set a schedule for the things in your routine. These will cause you less stress and let you prepare for any hiccups that may come your way. Planning will make you less stressed because the days ahead are already together.

3.Adjust as Needed

There is always room for improvement in your life; sometimes, we must take a step back, reevaluate, and adjust. When creating your routine, you may find that some methods need to be fixed or there are other vital areas. In those circumstances, it is okay to rearrange your way that best fits you. If you need to push things to the side, that is okay! Your routine should be catered to you and your immediate goals.

5.Have Grace with Yourself

Adjusting to a new normal can be tricky when starting new routines and trying to better yourself. It takes time to acclimate to something new, especially with the stressors of the world, life, and school. It is okay if your routine goes off plan today because tomorrow is a day you can start again! Remember to give yourself a break.

Are You Ready To Embark On A Culinary Adventure That Will Invigorate Your Taste Buds?

Recipe of the Month

KEYLIME POUND CAKE TRIFLE .........................

Ingredients:

1/2 of key lime pound cake, sliced and cut to fit in cup

14 ounces can condensed milk

Combine the condensed milk, lime juice, cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Assemble the trifle in a small cup, with the sliced pound cake on the bottom. Add the mixture, then top with whipped cream and lime zest. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Seed to Plate

Exploring the Importance of TRADITIONAL FOODS BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Imagine a world without fast food chains, processed snacks, or pre-packaged meals. Instead, picture a world where every meal celebrates tradition and culture. Indigenous Peoples have a rich history of food that has sustained them for generations. Like other cultures, food is an integral part of Indigenous Peoples’ ways of life. The more you learn about their culture, the more you can understand what it means to appreciate the food you consume.

One of the Indigenous Peoples’ most critical cultural aspects is their connection to food. Before the United States of America was created, a land full of Indigenous Peoples was thriving. There were communities and tribes with their own culture, religious practices, traditions, and agricultural systems that allowed their people to live comfortably. As the world changed, their sacred land became scarce. Though Indigenous Peoples had to adapt, many continued the traditions of their ancestors.

Food is an integral part of many cultures as it represents their history and way of life. In Indigenous Peoples’ culture, food is believed to hold spiritual and cultural importance. Traditional foods are seen as nourishment and a connection to mother earth and ancestral knowledge. Food was and still is a gift and sustains excellent health.

Before colonization and the introduction to Western European diets, Indigenous Peoples’ diet consisted of many complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, beans, peas, and potatoes. They also consumed most foods from the plants that were harvested and animals that were hunted. The food is typically harvested as seeds, nuts, corn, chile, squash, wild fruit, and greens. As a source of protein, they would eat bison, birds, deer, elk, salmon, trout, and nuts, all of which they gathered from hunting. Many would use drying and smoking food for optimal food storage to save for later.

The three sisters; corn, beans, and squash, were the main crops the Indigenous Peoples relied on before colonization. Because these crops were the primary food source, they were a part of many stories passed down from generation to generation. In some ancient stories, the three sisters are said to “personify the plants as teachers of interconnectedness, harvest seasons, and how the dried crops can help people survive long winters,” according to MatadorNetwork.com.

Indigenous Peoples’ connections to the food they eat derive from their love and respect for their land. Because of their religion, they view their lands as sacred and connect their spirituality to their land. Their land and holy sites often provide the foundations of their stories and connect each generation to their ancestors. Their food source from the ground deepens their connections to what they consume as they see eating meals as a gift.

Today, the main issues with Indigenous Peoples and their descendants stem from food sovereignty. Food sovereignty is the ability of Indigenous nations and communities to control their food system and production without limitations of outside power. Since European colonization in the Americas, the Indigenous Peoples have had difficulty keeping their sacred lands. However, Indigenous communities continuously have been fighting to protect their land.

When thinking about the Indigenous communities’ connection to the food they eat, it is essential to think about your food. We often do not realize how many people make our food because we get the final product. Practice gratitude for your food and recognize the hard work people put into cultivating and producing it for your consumption. There is much hard work behind the scenes to provide you with an excellent experience, and understanding Indigenous Peoples’ connection to food will also help your appreciation.

The Triumphant Compass: PROFITABLE TIPS FOR Inspiring Entrepreneurs

College allows you to find who you are in various ways. Or you could come into school with a skill or talent. College is where you can let your skills shine and try new things in a space where creativity and expression are normal. Whether it’s jewelry, art, food, hair, nails, or clothing, there is space and a need for your skills to shine. With constantly looking for the next step and stage in life, creating a business out of your craft can add the spark you may be looking for in your college experience.

You do not have to monetize your skills, but if you want to start your business or keep the momentum going, Campus Dining at Thomspon Hospitality is here for you! Here are a few profitable tips that can help you with your entrepreneurial journal:

Be Flexible with Your Business Plan

Everyone has an idea that could be profitable, but only some have a plan. Business plans are a vital tool for organizing and developing your business. According to Investopedia.com, a business plan is a “document created by a company that describes the company goals, operations, industry standing, marketing objectives, and financial projections.” However, depending on your business, your business plan will be different. As a college student, you are not expected to create a business plan like a major corporation. Instead, your business plan should reflect the goal of your business. It is also essential to be flexible with your plan. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it taught us that life is unpredictable. You must adapt to major and minor changes, such as changing marketing conditions, internal factors, new opportunities, and customer feedback.

Know Your Target Audience

What is your business selling, and who is it for? Those are the questions you should ask yourself as you market your business. Knowing your target audience will allow you to learn to plan your marketing strategy correctly. Does your audience use social media a lot? If so, search and see what sites are the most active. Knowing where your audience consumes media and information gives you a clear idea of how you should advertise your business. For instance, if your audience spends much time on Instagram, make your business an profile and advertise to your peers. There are various ways you can promote your business to your campus community. Pay attention to your target audience to showcase your work and gain more traction.

Organization is Key

You will find that staying organized is one of the keys to success in college. It will help you manage your time, reduce stress, and be prepared for many things that come your way. The easiest way to ensure you stay organized is to create a schedule that includes the time you need to complete schoolwork and projects. School should always come before extracurricular activities, so make sure that is at the forefront. If you are managing a business or considering starting one, ensure your school and personal life balance is intact. If the stress of managing a business and balancing school becomes overwhelming, remember that it is okay to take a step back from your business and reorganize yourself.

Build A Strong Network

Managing a business for the first time, especially in college, can be difficult. It will take a lot of trial and error and overcoming obstacles you did not see coming. Connect with other business owners to gain the necessary knowledge to navigate this new space. Check with your career center and academic advisors to see if there are upcoming business showcases and expos. These are great ways to expand your network and gain the tools needed to ensure success in your business. It may be intimidating connecting with seasoned business owners, but there is a lot you can learn from them. They can directly help you grow your audience by promoting you and sharing new ideas that may help the longevity of your business. Building solid relationships with other professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners can increase your chances of success.

Learn From Your Lessons

It is human nature to make mistakes. Many mistakes will be made as you journey through being a business owner. o No one is perfect; however, as a business owner, it is essential to learn from the lessons you gain. All of the lessons will help you grow your business to new heights. It will first improve your business practices by understanding the areas you need to improve, such as marketing tactics, promotions, or sales. Finding the common denominator will help you readjust and avoid it. Improving from your mistakes will also help you build the resilience you need to conquer any mishaps and recover from any setbacks, which will help you avoid repeating mistakes. Lastly, learning from your lesson is a guarantee of business success. To be a great leader and professional, you must keep moving forward despite the feedback and mishaps. Ups and downs are a part of the process of success. Therefore do not let it discourage you from moving forward to sustain your business.

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT! THTV

Marketing Contacts

Daniela-Gabrielle Smallwood, Head of Marketing and Communications daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 444–7430

Cindy Horstman, Field Marketing Director chorstman@thompsonhospitality.com (804) 640–4136

Stacey Gibson, Retail Marketing Director stacey.gibson@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 524-8566

Editorial Staff

Gina Godwin, Creative Director

Heaven Smallwood, Chief Editor

Tess Mazzucchelli, Graphic Designer

Yolanda Waters, Lead Writer