Career Program: Culinary and Hospitality
Originally From: Pulaski
Current Residence: Pulaski
Age: 20
Attended FVTC: Fall 2019 - Fall 2021

Why did you choose to study this field?

I chose to study culinary arts and hospitality management because it is my passion. I love to create food for guests and being able to see their faces as I come out with my creation. I also chose this field because whether making someone's food or serving someone a drink it is all in my personality. I really love to create something and see the enjoyment of the guests when they taste it.

Tell us how you came to choose FVTC for your education.

I was in culinary competitions as a high school student that were held at Fox Valley Tech. With these competitions, I was able to get many tours of the culinary program. I was able to meet the instructors before even having a single class at the tech. My culinary instructor in high school spoke very fondly of the culinary and hospitality programs while I was there. Fox Valley Tech also had a more developed program than the other schools in the area.

What's been the most rewarding part of your educational journey at FVTC?

The most rewarding part about my educational journey is being able to see my progress throughout my journey. I post photos online of the things that I do as a visual representation of my progress. Another rewarding part is being able to remember how to make or cook something that I learned in the first semester. When I think of my progress I think, "wow, this is amazing to be able to see all my success throughout the years."

What was the most difficult part?

I think the most difficult part was managing two jobs while being a full-time student. I learned really quickly how to have good time management and how to make sure that school was my main priority. I also thought that having to switch halfway through my learning to all online classes once COVID hit was difficult. It was hard because the instructors expected us to cook at home when we may or may not have had the equipment.

What will you do on graduation day or in the future to celebrate graduation?

On graduation day my family and I will be watching it through the virtual link. As this is my first out of two graduations I am hoping that the second is in person.

Tell us about your plans after graduation.

My plans right now are to keep working full time while I finish my hospitality and baking degrees. I plan to use my culinary degree to get me further in the restaurant industry. Maybe someday I will manage my own restaurant in the future.

One last parting thought or words of wisdom to share with others.

No matter how tough it gets, make sure you focus on time management and perseverance. Stay confident with yourself and make sure you are being your best self throughout your journey.

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