This Scarf graduate Q & A is part of our 'Stay Home with Scarf' campaign. Find out more here. .

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Which Scarf program did you take part in?

Winter Scarf '19 at Uncle.

Which country were you born in?

Mauritius.

Why did you apply for the Scarf program?

I wanted to meet new friends and learn the best skills in hospitality.

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What was your experience of job-hunting/applying for jobs before you came to Scarf?

Very often I did not get a response and I did not have a good reference for guiding me in sending my resume. I feel a low confidence and sad.

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The Winter Scarf '19 team at Uncle. L to R: Wafaa, Rosetta, Bronya, Liz, Josie, Helen & Don. Photo: Peter Tarasiuk

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How did you hear about Scarf?

I heard about it through social media and Scarf's website.

What what you were expecting at Scarf? What surprised you most?

I did the Scarf program with an openness to learn and it was successful. I was surprised to feel the happiness, lots of fun and love besides the learning parts of the program.

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Liz gained weekly paid work experience during Scarf Dinners at Uncle during our Winter Scarf '19 season. Photo: Peter Tarasiuk

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What was the most valuable thing you got from participating in Scarf?

Learning to be more confident and always do things well, on time and with love.

I did the Scarf program with an openness to learn and it was successful. My mentors were very professional, caring and helped me a lot to gain my confidence.

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Training during Winter Scarf '19 - hands-on coffee sessions with Adrian from Five Senses

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Do you think working with a mentor is a positive thing? If so, why?

Yes. My mentors were very professional, caring and helped me a lot to gain my confidence.

Did the Scarf program help to increase your confidence? If so, why?

Yes, the Scarf program makes me believes in myself and become a better hospitality staff in my workplace.

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Bar training at Garden State Hotel with Scarf mentor (and Sandhill Road Group legend) Kevin. Photo: Sanjay Productions.

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Tell us about the first job you got after you finished Scarf. 

I started working as a catering assistant at Chefs On the Run. I was employed casually for 30 hours a week. I loved working with the chefs and discovering the different style of cooking. I worked there for five months. My career goal is to become a Chef.

It is very special to work every day [at FareShare] and serve the most needy community during the difficult time at the moment. Everything is provided to keep all the employees safe at the moment. I love my job. 

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Winter Scarf '19 team after a hotel tour and "mocktail" training session with Holly and Tom at Pullman Melbourne on The Park

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Have you been involved in anything else at Scarf since you graduated? 

I always stay in touch with Scarf social events and fundraising. I was a waitress at Melbourne Women's Fund end of year dinner at Uncle restaurant last November. In February 2020, I was in the merchandise and ticket raffle team at the Scarf Turns 10! awesome party. Being a Scarf graduate is very special. It is always fun, happy and caring when graduates, trainees and mentors meet for an event or a dinner.

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Liz and some of the Winter Scarf '19 graduates working at the Melbourne Women's Fund end-of-year dinner at Uncle. Cameo appearances by Uncle co-owner and head chef Dai (left) and Uncle front-of-house manager and Scarf mentor Alix (right)

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Where are you working right now? 

In June I started a new full time kitchen attendant position within a food rescue and charitable organisation: FareShare, after connecting with them through Scarf. I am working in the pastry and packing section. I am very happy to get the opportunity and to be part of the awesome kitchen team at FareShare. 

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Liz hard at work in the FareShare kitchen. Photos: Josie Hayden for Leader Newspaper

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Would you like to become a mentor or trainer at Scarf in the future? 

Yes, I would like to help other trainees and share my experience.

Do you have any words of advice for other young people who are interested in participating in Scarf?

Scarf is a special, caring and loving community. Just be yourself and happy to learn.

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Winter Scarf '19 team of trainees and mentors at Uncle. Photo: Sanjay Productions.

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Photo: Bronya and Liz relax after gaining paid work experience at Scarf Turns 10! at Worksmith Collingwood. Photo: Kaniography

Portrait photo: Sanjay Productions

NB: The above Q+A was conducted via email in July 2020.