Single Mother Of Four Starts Culinary Journey At 56, Graduates As Tobago Valedictorian At an age when many people may be thinking about slowing down, Suzanne Baptiste-Thompson decided it was time to begin something new. The 56-year-old single mother of four pursued a long-held ambition by enrolling in the Associate Degree in Culinary Arts programme at the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute. Her decision resulted in an impressive academic achievement, with Baptiste-Thompson graduating as valedictorian while also receiving the Dean’s Award and Overall Academic Excellence Award. Addressing fellow graduates at the Shaw Park Complex, Baptiste-Thompson reflected on taking the leap later in life. She explained that she had always wanted to pursue culinary training, but for years the opportunity simply was not available. Rather than allowing her age to discourage her, she decided that 56 would mark the beginning of something new. Her achievement formed part of a wider celebration of graduates being prepared to contribute to Tobago’s tourism and hospitality sectors. During the graduation, emphasis was placed on ensuring education in Tobago goes beyond producing people who can simply pass examinations. The vision outlined was for Tobago to develop people capable of building industries, creating businesses, innovating, competing globally and understanding technology, service and entrepreneurship. There was also emphasis on developing a workforce capable of meeting international standards as Tobago continues to strengthen its tourism sector. For Baptiste-Thompson, however, the occasion represented something deeply personal. At 56, after raising four children and waiting years for an opportunity to formally pursue her passion for culinary arts, she did not simply earn her degree. She emerged as valedictorian. Her achievement is a reminder that beginning later in life does not mean being left behind, and that a new educational or professional chapter can begin at any age.
