The annual Global Odyssey at our school is always a lively celebration of diverse cultures, but this year, my experience took an unexpected turn—from simply appreciating global traditions to diving headfirst into entrepreneurship. Without even realizing it, I was actively engaging with multiple IB CAS learning outcomes!

Teaming up with three friends, we turned our shared passion for cooking into a small-scale business venture. Our food stall aimed to replicate the essence of a real restaurant, offering a well-rounded menu that included mocktails, desserts, and two savory dishes. One of my proudest contributions was creating my own signature dish—the Chip and Cheese Melt—which became a popular item at our stall. This experience not only deepened my understanding of business and teamwork but also gave me a newfound appreciation for the effort that goes into running a food establishment.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills.

For our CAS project, we carefully curated our menu, demonstrating unexpected financial acumen as we calculated costs and refined our business skills. Our goal was to find dishes that were both budget-friendly for high school students and quick to prepare—sometimes requiring us to break a few traditional cooking rules. Scouring the internet for simple recipes that used locally available ingredients proved to be another challenge. However, we embraced flexibility, experimenting with ingredient substitutions and choosing versatile items that could be used across multiple dishes to keep expenses low.

 LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience.

The Global Odyssey was more than just a cultural celebration for me—it was a hands-on experience in planning and execution, directly linking to LO 3 My team and I carefully organized every detail, from budgeting and resource allocation to structuring our workflow through regular meetings. This preparation ensured smooth operations on the event day, where we assigned roles and coordinated efficiently to run our food stall. The success of my signature dish, the Chip and Cheese Melt, reinforced the value of strategic planning and teamwork, making this experience both rewarding and educational.

LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively.

The long-awaited day finally arrived, filling us with a mix of nervous excitement as we set up our small “restaurant.” As students and teachers began exploring the cultural booths, our initial anxieties faded, replaced by the thrill of engaging with eager customers. The overwhelming response was both exciting and rewarding—seeing people enjoy our food reinforced how something as simple as a shared meal can bring people together across cultures. The experience wasn’t just about cooking; it was about creating connections and sharing a part of our heritage with others.

This event also highlighted the importance of teamwork, aligning perfectly with LO 5. While I had experience in cooking, some of my teammates were less confident, so I guided them through the process while they helped with preparation and organization. We divided tasks based on individual strengths, ensuring efficiency in both cooking and selling. Each team member was responsible for a specific dish, and I took charge of the chip and cheese melt, overseeing both its preparation and sales. By working together, we not only enhanced each other’s skills but also ensured the success of our booth. This experience reinforced that collaboration is key—when we support one another, we achieve far more than we could alone.

From the very start, my team and I had to effectively interact with retailers to source quality ingredients, ensuring we got the best deals while staying within budget. Once our food stall was up and running, engaging with customers became a key part of the experience. We had to enthusiastically introduce our menu, take orders efficiently, and handle feedback with a positive attitude—all of which required clear and confident communication. Whether it was explaining the ingredients in my signature Chip and Cheese Melt or persuading hesitant customers to try our mocktails, I realized how essential communication is in entrepreneurship. This experience reinforced the power of clear and engaging interaction, not just in business but in all aspects of teamwork and problem-solving.