Aurora Yanto Poblete Scholarship

Hello my name is Samantha Harrington and I would say that a person was the biggest influence in my decision to pursue a career in culinary arts because these people opened up my eyes to the beautiful art that is food. I have been interested in culinary arts since I was about 10 years old, however, I have always been a very picky eater so going into culinary seemed like a poor career choice at first. I think my pickiness came from growing up around my grandma's cooking which looked so fun, but more often than not, was not visually appealing. I knew there had to be more to this career than just "old fashioned" cooking, for lack of a better term of course. So when I discovered desserts and pastries made by culinary artists such as Fauchon, Maison Laduree, and Amaury Guichon, it was the hope I was looking for and I knew I had to be a part of something so fantastic. If you have not seen some of the creations crafted by these chefs, I would have to say you are missing out. They are beautifully crafted pieces with such exotic pairings there is absolutely no comparison. These desserts range from french macaroons, which I have yet to perfect, to working gumball machines made out of chocolate, which I have yet to try but someday hope to. This idea of creating edible art captures so much of my attention that I lose myself in this other world. I could spend days in the kitchen with these chefs, without a thought of anything else. I also think culture is a big reference in my field of study as well. I have taken a big liking to European and French pastries and though I am not French, there is nothing that I would love more for my life than to study French pastry specifically. That would then allow me to fulfill my dream of opening a European/French-style Patisserie here in the United States. That way, I can make visually and sensually appealing, edible art like these amazing artisans and include a beautiful cuisine that you don't often see traditionally in America. I can honestly say that if I am ever half as talented and achieve half the notoriety of these chefs, I will have completed one of my lifelong dreams. Thank you for this amazing opportunity! - Samantha Harrington