A day in the life of an HND Professional Cookery Student
You might have seen his infectious smile around the college, so we caught up with HND Professional Cookery student - Dener Pereira - to find out more about him, and his course.
What course are you studying at Perth College UHI?
I am currently in the first year of my HND Professional Cookery, and I am looking to progress to BA Hospitality Management when I finish.
What were you doing before college?
I have been working within the Hospitality industry in Scotland for 14 years, both Front of House and Management.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I was trying to follow the Business Management course - which I actually completed my HNC with UHI back in 2011 - but I decided to pursue my dream of opening a social business as a restaurant, and then realised my lack of knowledge in the back of house. So I decided to get back to my higher education to pursue my degree, and to learn more about the kitchen side of things.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing is not a "thing". It is the people who create the fabulous, supportive and welcoming learning environment at Perth College UHI. From the moment when I enquired about the application process, to the interview with Clive, to the induction week and every single interaction we have in the college. They are always there with a smile, a warm welcome and to guide us on our learning path.
Has there been any stand out/memorable moments from your course?
There are two most stand out/memorable moments for me so far: first is the way our Professional Cookery class work with the Hospitality Management students every Tuesday in order to provide the Tuesday's Themed Nights. It just shows how connected we are and the support we give each other, working together towards a common goal. It is the best part of the week, every week. And second is the effort made by the lecturers - particularly Rhona and Shirley - in order to organise fundraising events so that we can fund extra workshops and trips to hospitality establishments to acquire further knowledge. This year, we went for an overnight stay in Gleneagles - and their staff were so friendly and informative.
What is a typical day at college like?
The timetable for Professional Cookery is slightly different from other courses. Our time in college is compressed into 2 days per week: Mondays from 10am till 6pm, and Tuesday from 9am till 9:30pm. This is to enable us to continue our jobs in the industry, and still have a couple of days off. Monday is pretty much all theoretic classes. Tuesdays we start off 9am-1pm in the classroom, then 1pm onwards we go to the kitchen for our practical side. This involve creating the dishes that we will be serving from 6:30pm for the paying guests of the restaurant.
What is the best part of your day?
There are so many "best parts" of the day, that is is almost impossible to list just one. So a few highlights: always being welcomed with a good morning and a smile from the whole team at the Hospitality department; listening to Neil's bad jokes, but we still laugh at them; the little surprises Rhona always has for us every week; Lorna in the store always there to help us with a smile; Lynne selling her baked goodies during lunchtime; Ian popping in to check how we are; Clive and his chilled way to command the kitchen; and the banter with all the class when we are preparing for service.
What do you like about the campus?
The best bit of the campus for me is the library and the green open areas. Let's not mention the stairs! But the walking from the ASW building to Brahan Building in the Monday morning is rather calming. And the library staff are always so helpful and friendly.
Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI?
When I decided to do Professional Cookery, I have mentioned to a close friend and restauranteur and she highly recommended Perth College UHI due to its reputation. The idea of moving to Perth was not on my list at all, but she convinced me with a simple question: "Name a Michelin starred chef who has studied in the college that you have chosen?". I could not name any, but she could name Andrew Fairlie and Tom Kitchin as alumni of Perth College UHI. I had no way of arguing with it, so I got in touch with the college and I am extremely glad they accepted my application.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
The Hospitality industry has a certain fame for its long working hours and sleeping patterns, so I try to balance out my studies alongside my work and physical/mental health. I make sure I take time to exercise, study, practice my recipes, see friends and work - without one taking over the time allocated for another.
I go to the gym 3 times a week, always in the morning as a "waking up for my day" kind of thing. I also make sure I take my two days off every week: one for pure relaxation, such as going to the cinema, visiting friends, dining out, putting my feet up, booking a massage, doing some shopping or testing recipes (and eating them!) etc. The second day off is for my studies and house duties. Then I work 3 days a week, usually weekends. I try not to pick up extra shifts, but if it is necessary, I will pick up an extra shift one week - but take one less the week after. So, in general, I am working 28-35 hours a week. One thing I learnt with life: always make time to look after myself and to spend time with those people I love. In this rushed world that we live in, there is always an extra pressure to "get the work done" or "be available for when people need you". But, for me, in order to give my best, I need to be at my best. And, to be at my best, I need to eat well, sleep well, exercise, keep my connection with friends and family, develop myself as a person and help others. Then, after that, I can give my best at a job. So, my interests and hobbies come before my job and are the most important thing of my life.
What are your plans after you finish your course?
My plans after the course is to open a social business - a restaurant that will work as a training academy for teenagers and young adults who are victims of bullying and sexual abuse. It would be partnered with a social project that would provide the psychological support needed. The idea behind is to work on their self esteem and confidence, while providing a inclusion or re-inclusion to the job market - as I strongly believe that the Hospitality Industry can be a industry that can change many peoples lives for the better.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
The advice I would give is for you to ask yourself: would you like to be a number in a college and treated like anyone, or would you rather being known by your name and have your learning experience tailored to your needs? So, if you want a personal and individual learning experience, Perth College UHI should be your choice.
