Student Feature: Nadia Dunrod

Nadia Dunrod is a senior majoring in Global Club Management and Leadership. She's been very involved with the school throughout her education. Recently, Nadia was selected to serve on the national CMAA (Club Managers Association of America) Diversity & Equity in Club Leadership Task Force.

Tell us a little about yourself before starting college:

I am originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I was raised in a single-parent household with my mother. I also spent a few years of my childhood living with my grandmother in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. In high school, I was a member of DECA and participated in Junior Achievement “Be Entrepreneurial” program. I spent a lot of my time with family and friends whether that was trying new restaurants or traveling.

What brought you to FSU?

CARE brought me to FSU. I always knew I wanted to go to college however, FSU was not financially convenient for my family. CARE gave me a chance to further my education beyond high school and being the first in my family to do so. CARE did not rule me out because I was an average high school student making a few A’s but mainly B’s because that same average high school student is now a college scholar with a GPA higher than 3.0 and made the Dean’s list multiple times.

What led to you wanting to major in hospitality?

I wanted to major in hospitality because I have always had a passion for providing exceptional customer service. I enjoy having conversations with people and making them smile and them making me smile. I believe a career in hospitality is a great fit for me and I am excited to see what the future holds.

“I wanted to major in hospitality because I have always had a passion for providing exceptional customer service. I enjoy having conversations with people and making them smile and them making me smile. I believe a career in hospitality is a great fit for me and I am excited to see what the future holds.”

Share a rewarding experience from your education:

I would say during my college experience I experienced some personal obstacles and hardship that affected me academically which resulted in my GPA dropping. I worked really hard to recover my GPA and have been performing better academically and now have a GPA higher than a 3.0 and made the Dean's list multiple times. Going through that has been extremely rewarding to be academically.

Who do you admire and why?

I admire Dr. Tadarrayl Starke the director of CARE for not only breaking generational curses himself but allowing other students like myself to do the same. And also for reminding me throughout my college journey to “remember my why”. I hope one day to support and be apart of breaking other students generational curses and truly being able to make an impact to my community.

Favorite quote/saying:

"Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't."

- Bill Nye

What is your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus would be Thagard. It’s just my campus home for a lot of resources for me as a CARE student. Going there, I run into people I know or is the same Care class as me (CARE’17), mentors and coaches. I keep updated with my life and it's overall just a family environment.

Best place to eat in Tallahassee?

Roboto Tokyo Grill

Share one of your favorite moments at FSU:

One of my favorite moments at FSU would be zip lining on Landis during homecoming.

What could you not live without?

My phone.

What advice would you give to students thinking about majoring in Hospitality?

If you are a people person, hospitality is for you. It is definitely an amazing industry to learn about and its not your typical college classes. Take advantage of the events the Dedman School host for their students. It impacts your career and truly advances your network.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I plan on being a part of a private club Manager in Training (MIT) program, working on my CCM designation (Certified Club Manager), and working my way up to become a general manager of a private club.