Q: Where are you from? (city, state)
A: Used to live in Texas but I moved up to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the age of 13
Q: Why did you choose Kirkwood?
A: It was a close and inexpensive option while still having a high-ranking culinary program.
Q: What is your major and how did you choose it?
A: I am a double major in Culinary Arts degree and Baking and Pastry degree. I decided to go into the cooking profession at the age of 9 because I fell in love with baking and how happy it made people.
Q: What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood?
A: There are big things that I am proud of such as this award and getting on dean’s list but then there are many things I am proud of on a more daily basis. Such as when I am making a difficult recipe and it turns out right after making it 4 times already and not succeeding (I’m looking at you hollandaise sauce).
Q: What are your plans after Kirkwood?
A: After Kirkwood I am planning on getting a job at a local bakery or as a pastry chef in a nice restaurant downtown and either save up to open a bakery of my own or get enough experience to come back to Kirkwood as a teacher.
Q: What inspires or motivates you?
A: My family has always inspired me to work hard and follow the career path that will make me happy. My family and fiancée are my motivation to keep working toward my goals because I know I have their support baking me up.
Q: Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood – hobbies, family, other interests, etc.
A: I have many hobbies ranging from painting, drawing, gardening, and reading. I do a lot of these with my mom, dad, older brother, a couple of my grandmas, and of course my fiancée.
Q: What does be named an Outstanding Student mean to you?
A: It means a lot to me being named an Outstanding Student. When I started this program, it was something I really wanted but as I got to know more of my peers, I saw how creative, knowledgeable, and skillful they were… part of me started to think I just wouldn’t be good enough. When I got this award it just helps me validate how far I’ve come since starting this program and that I am good at what I do.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: I would like to thank the teachers in the Hospitality department for giving me the skills and confidence to do my craft well and feel confident going out into the industry.
Categories: Outstanding Students
