It seems almost predestined that 18-year-old Joliza Vanderpool would pursue a career in cooking.The budding pastry chef has been whipping up culinary masterpieces since age four, when parents Eileen and Graham woke up one morning to find her clinkering away in the kitchen making eggs. She even started her own restaurant at home on Sundays at the age of seven, inviting family and friends over to taste her edible treats.Miss Vanderpool never wavered from her original goal and last week was announced as one of the winners of the Royal Caribbean International Hospitality Scholarship Award.Michiko Campbell, 21, and Jallande Greaves, 18, were also recognised for their talents and given a cash boost to continue their careers in the hospitality industry. Said Miss Vanderpool: “I just enjoyed being in the kitchen and helping out my mom, who used to bake character cakes on the side.“Sometimes I used to cook to relieve stress if I had a long day, and by the time I am done I would feel fine.”She said the hospitality industry opened up countless opportunities for young people, including possibilities of travelling the world.Currently studying professional baking fundamentals, modern pastry craft and culinary techniques at a Canadian university, she hopes to ultimately open her own restaurant.Miss Vanderpool encourages youngsters to stay committed to their dreams: There are lots of opportunities and lots of people there to help you. Do not be afraid to ask for help. You can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it.”In addition to the $3,500 cash award, the head pastry chef aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line passed on his contact details to Miss Vanderpool and was keen to keep in touch as she progressed in her schooling.Mr Campbell, a culinary arts and food management student at Johnson and Wales University in Miami, Florida, got his first shot in the industry four years ago.He started cooking at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club during the Newport-Bermuda Race and said he was fascinated about learning more from that point on. As the RCI award’s top winner, taking home $8,000 towards his education, Mr Campbell understands the importance of young Bermudians getting into the trade.He said: “Bermuda is based on tourism and hospitality. We are trying to cater to other tourists that come here. So I think it’s important for Bermudians to help build the industry up to what it was.”He encouraged other young people to consider tourism and hospitality as a viable career. “It’s a good profession to get into and a good opportunity to learn something different.“It helps you meet people as well, it’s not strictly business. It involves more interaction in this type of field because you get to meet a lot of people.”He is still hoping to raise more cash to complete his schooling, which costs $37,000 a year, but said the award has definitely provided him with a hand up.Mr Greaves received an award of $3,500. He said it was fitting, considering he ultimately dreams of working on board a cruise ship.The tourism and hospitality management student said he has been on cruise ships since he was six months old. He said he admires that staff in guest services and at the front desk are able to always make guests feel welcome.He first considered a career in hospitality 18 months ago after a stint working with Dolphin Quest.He said it was an “eye opening” opportunity that allowed him to test the waters in the tourism industry.He encourages other youngsters to explore jobs options in this area.“We are the generation that is coming up and if we do not go into it now I don’t think there will be anyone else because people are retiring from the profession and we can bring fresh ideas to entice tourists. “