Ashley Rigsbee Fall 2016 Blog

by Ashley Rigsbee, December 17, 2016

Winter is upon us and the holiday is right around the corner all while this quarter has come to an end. The winter quarter has flown by, so what have I been up to lately? Are you familiar with the term Capstone? Capstone is a senior complex project were groups of five students come together to develop either a hotel concept or a restaurant. This project lasts for six months long, so far I have completed the first half which consisted mostly of the research and brainstorming phase. It is top secret so I can’t disclose all the details. However, I’ll let you know we have decided as a team which consists of myself, another hotel and lodging major, one sustainability, one food and beverage, and a culinary student to develop an upscale boutique hotel in the fashionable Streeterville area. We already have our site location, and these last several weeks I have been focusing on finalizing who we are as a hotel company, and how we want our guest to feel when they walk into our property. You are probably thinking this sounds very time consuming? Well you are absolutely right it has been vigorous, challenging, and yet rewarding realizing this is my final senior project and then I will receive my degree. Looking a few months in the past and where I am now I did not see the possibility of continuing my education because of financial issues I was experiencing. However, I’m thankful to The Kendall College Trust Organization for being my beacon of hope that allowed me to stay here at Kendall. I am almost there to the finish line steps closer to receiving my degree. I look forward to sharing with you the materials our group has put together of course once it’s not a secret any more the competition with other groups is intense. Until then Happy Holidays, and don’t forget to drink lots of eggnog on these chilly days!