Hopkinton native wins Temple University scholarship for dedication to community

Related Media

Jasmine Dottin

PHILADELPHIA, PA (04/13/2011)(readMedia)-- Tourism and hospitality student Jasmine Dottin holds community in high esteem.

When she moved from Hopkinton, Mass., to attend Temple University in Philadelphia, she fell in love with the diverse community. Throughout her college career, Dottin, a self-proclaimed "volunteer-aholic," has spread smiles to the surrounding community by donating her time and talents.

Her sense of community recently earned her the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management's (STHM) coveted Marie Baker Brown Scholarship, which memorializes Brown, a devoted member of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB), who died from breast cancer in 2006.

Dottin, who completed her junior internship with the PCVB's Multicultural Affairs Congress, said the scholarship has helped her cover the cost of some student loans and keep a busy schedule during the academic year.

During her sophomore year, Dottin volunteered as a guest service concierge at the Independence Visitor Center, promoting Philadelphia's attractions and selling admission tickets to tourists.

"I love the idea of being able to help people visit destinations and have a memorable experience," Dottin said. "It was so much fun telling others what I love about Philadelphia."

Her passion for helping others enjoy the city has inspired Dottin, 21, to pursue either destination management or tour development when she graduates in January 2012.

Until then, this tourism and hospitality and Spanish double major will continue to build her resume. She hopes to keep teaching English to Hispanic immigrants in Philadelphia through Project SHINE and to stay involved at Raíces Cuturales Latinoamericanas Inc. by providing event and marketing support.

Dottin said she knows the importance of understanding at least one other language in the tourism industry, whether working internationally or domestically.

"It broadens your mind to different perspectives and facilitates conversation between people of different cultural backgrounds," she said.

These are the same principles Dottin has applied to become a successful leader within STHM, as the past finance director of Temple's chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International and as the past vice president of the STHM Student Association.

"STHM really encourages you to get involved and be hands-on," she said. "I hope that students in other majors can go out and become part of the community and find these opportunities themselves."