ORLANDO, Fla – Arthur de Paula’s journey to the Rosen College of Hospitality Management is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the desire to make a difference. Originally from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, de Paula is not your typical undergraduate student. At 28 years old, he has already earned a bachelor’s degree in social communication with a focus on journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, one of Latin America’s top universities. Now, he is forging a new path in the world of hospitality. As a transfer student entering his fourth semester at Rosen College, de Paula’s story is one of transformation and purpose.

“Growing up in Brazil, I was always captivated by the way a simple act of kindness could brighten someone’s day, even more so as I was raised by an incredibly loving family myself,” de Paula said. This early fascination with the impact of kindness laid the foundation for his future career. His background in journalism equipped him with the tools to tell stories and engage in meaningful conversations, but he soon realized that his true calling lay beyond reporting. “I wanted to create those stories through real, meaningful experiences. That’s what led me to hospitality. It’s an industry where I can bring people together, make them feel welcome, and leave a lasting impression.”

De Paula’s decision to pursue hospitality led him to Rosen College, the top-ranked hospitality program in the USA. “Once I realized that, I knew that Rosen College was the place I needed to be,” de Paula said. As an international student, he has found a second home at Rosen College, where he is deeply involved in the college community and making the most of every opportunity.

This summer, de Paula took his passion for hospitality to new heights with a coveted internship at Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont, a property celebrated for its unparalleled luxury and personalized service. Twin Farms isn’t just another Forbes Five-Star resort; in 2020, it was honored as Forbes Travel Guide’s “Hotel of the Year,” achieving the highest score among all 107 Five-Star properties worldwide—a remarkable 98.24% out of 100, according to Boston Magazine. As a guest experience coordinator, de Paula was responsible for ensuring that every guest’s stay was nothing short of extraordinary. “My team and I assist our guests from the moment they drive through our gates for the first time until the very minute they depart the property,” de Paula said. His role involved everything from reviewing reservations and ensuring all guest requests were fulfilled to providing comprehensive property tours and delivering five-star service. “We take immense pride in maintaining the highest standards while personalizing our service to each guest,” he added.

De Paula’s experience at Twin Farms, which was recognized not only as Forbes Travel Guide’s Hotel of the Year in 2020 but also for maintaining top-tier service as a Five-Star property in 2021, was transformative. The internship not only honed his skills in luxury hospitality but also reinforced his belief in the power of personalized service. “Many of our guests return year after year, and it’s our job to ensure that their experience is as special and unique as the first time they visited,” de Paula said.

Now back at Rosen College, de Paula is a familiar face on campus, where he serves as an undergraduate admissions ambassador. In this role, he introduces prospective students and their families to the Rosen College community, sharing his own experiences and the many opportunities that await them. “It’s incredibly rewarding to share my passion for our campus and the industry,” de Paula said. “I love seeing the excitement in their eyes as they learn about the partnerships with Walt Disney World, Universal Parks, SeaWorld, and more.”

De Paula’s dedication to Rosen College and the hospitality industry has not gone unnoticed. This past summer, he was awarded the prestigious Tom White Skal Orlando Scholarship at the CFHLA Luncheon, an event that became even more memorable because he was able to share it with his beloved mentor and “American Mom,” Associate Instructor Deborah Weissberg, affectionately known to Rosen College students as “Professor Deb.” “It was an incredible honor,” de Paula said. Despite a whirlwind trip from Vermont to Orlando and back in a single day, de Paula knew the opportunity to meet industry leaders and celebrate with his Rosen College family was worth the effort. “I specifically remember telling Dr. [Vanessa] Gonzalez that I did such a trip ‘pretty much like James Bond would,’ to which she replied, ‘but you already kind of are,’” de Paula recalled with a smile.

Looking ahead, de Paula dreams of a career in luxury hospitality, with aspirations to become a general manager or a luxury service specialist. “I want to surprise and delight guests who have high expectations, and create extraordinary moments for them,” he shared. But no matter where his career takes him, de Paula is confident that the friendships and connections he has made at Rosen College will remain a cornerstone of his professional and personal life.

Arthur de Paula is not just a student at Rosen College; he is a shining example of what it means to be a Rosen Knight—driven, passionate, and ready to make a difference in the world of hospitality.

Stay tuned for more stories in our Rosen Knight Highlight series, where we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students and alumni, proving that with passion and perseverance, the possibilities are endless.