October 2023 MVP: Dhanashree Shinde

Dhanashree, a culinary intern from India at the Westin Westminster in Westminster, Colorado, has been selected as the October Most Valuable Participant! Dhanashree’s employer shared the following praise, leading to her selection as the MVP. We presented her with a selection of Halloween candies from Sugarfina and a Starbucks gift card to taste America’s favorite fall beverages.

Dhanshree has been such an asset to our team! Not only in a work perspective where the culinary team see her as inspirational, hard working and innovative but also for the program. Dhanshree has been the "mom" to our Interns (we have 6 total at this time). She has taken them all under her wing and guided them on what to pack, helped them get a beautiful apartment and helps to make things fun by encouraging them to take advantage of things to do in Denver like the Zoo and Aquarium. She is a treasure to host. We cannot see where this experience takes her in the future! There is no double that she is destined for great things! - K.J. Michael , Westin Westminster

What are the most valuable things you have learned while on the internship program?

The most valuable things that I have learned while being on the internship program is firstly being very very confident about your own self. Before I really used to hold myself from doing things thinking about what would other people think, will this turn out in a positive way so much more of overthinking by just not being confident. Over these months by working in whole different culture and country I have gained a lot of confidence in me and I don’t hold myself anymore and freely do what my heart says.

The most important thing I learnt was holding relationships. This probably the most difficult thing to do. But over this time I slowly realized that holding onto relationships is the most important valuable thing in life. No matter what kind of relationship like being away from home and managing time to family and friends is also necessary it really helps to maintain mental health.

How do you think an American internship will benefit you in your future career?

For me American internship is going to benefit me a lot in my future professional as well as personal life. Like being independent fully by yourself in all the aspects. I have gained so much knowledge, skills and hacks being in a different kitchen. For me the best part about learning something in kitchen was always GRILL Section. This was completely a different and exciting experience for me. The most important part of learning was managing. I have had many ups and downs with so many things being new but slowly as I started exploring more in kitchen I automatically realized that there is way to do things in a proper manner. This is going to help me so much for my upcoming life chapters.

What are your top three recommendations for places to visit/things to do in Denver?

I have been to so many places like zoo, aquarium, parks, had a chance to go to baseball game and Powwwow because of Life Traveled, I been to so many fancy malls and restaurants and so much more.

The must visit places according me are Boulder Peral Street it’s a must go especially for younger generation it is all about youngsters and also there’s so many shopping places where most of the things come from India, Nepal and Bhutan feels like home. It’s place where u can just walk around have good food and shop so many things.

The second place I would really recommend is Meow Wolf it’s a whole different experience. It is all about science and illusion art. If someone is really into this kind of stuff should really go it’s completely different.

Also I would like to recommend The Garden of the Gods. It’s place for nature lovers. Must visit also along with that one can also explore Colorado Springs it is a beauty.

What has been your favorite aspect of American culture? What has been the most difficult thing to adjust to?

My favorite part will always be the work culture and people.

The work culture here is very cool I feel like. Everyone is so respectful and understanding.

My supervisors have always been open about their concerns. They try to teach me so many good things that can improve me and take me much more further in what I’m doing. Everyone really appreciates with what you do be it a big thing or a small thing they really show love and support towards it.

For me the most difficult part to adjust with was the financial part at the very initial stage because everything is just so expensive and building everything from scratch at the beginning was a bit difficult for me but as time goes I started to realize so many things about finance and that really helped me to keep everything on a track.

How have you shared your Indian culture with Americans?

Everyone I work with is so much excited to know more about Indian culture. They keep asking me every small little things we do and that makes my heart happy to see people really love our culture and the way we live our life. I have made so much food for my coworkers whenever I get time like biryani, panipuri, vadapav, desserts and so much more everyone has loved it so much. Also I made few friends and I have given them so many handcrafted gifts that are made in India. I have also seen so many people engaged in Yoga and I have shared whatever knowledge I have as my mother is a professional Yoga trainer. I have shared and thought my coworkers some of the Indian delicacy and they did a very fantastic job learning it.

Why do you think cultural exchange programs are important?

According to me I think Cultural Exchange Programs are important because it allows you to come out of your comfort zone and do something out of the box or do something that you would have never imagined to do. It also gives you a vast knowledge about different cultures which also helps you to understand and respect every culture and every human being no matter what the age, gender, religion or community you come from. For me the most interesting part is food if you are a foodie and loves to cook out passion this program is the best I would recommend for someone who wants to explore different countries. Also I would like to add on, there’s so much more in the world to explore and learn so one should give it a try especially programs like this you meet so many different types of people and trust me there’s so much to learn from every individual and every step you take.