Kendall Ross Culinary Scholarship

The phrase Kendall was famous for is one we should all strive to learn from. In a nutshell, the saying "iron sharpens iron," means that is takes a difficult experience to hone a sharp individual. Those who shy away from these challenges will never realize their potential. In the kitchen a sharper knife is infinitely more useful and safer than a dull one, and this applies to people as well. One who has faced adversity is so much more prepared to face that adversity again over one who has never had that immeasurably valuable experience. I had a chef once at Johnson and Wales, who said something related. His exact words were "strive to be uncomfortable." Now what does this have to do with Kendall's advice? Well I would say that, through experience, 'sharpening' as Kendall said, is not a comfortable task at all. Therefore it takes that discomfort to sharpen us and create a better worker and person. Unfortunately I lost this chef after having only 2 classes with him, but his energy and wisdom were so incredibly far reaching, that at the memorial service held by the school, we had numerous alum come back, including one who came from a yacht chef job around Ibiza. I bring this up because wisdom attracts people to others who spout said wisdom, after learning about chef Ross, I had held this quote close to my heart and knife kit. Whenever I have a bad day at work, I use this to remind myself that whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. How will this saying influence my career? As stated before I keep this phrase close to me often. I do not plan on stopping any time soon. I even found myself dispensing this advice to a hopeful chef whose father was a good friend of my father. If I believe in this saying enough to say it myself, you know damn well I will use it in my own life, career and personal. One great example of this phrase in my life is actually applying for this exact scholarship last year. I didn't earn it, but I was a finalist. What I did in that situation is what makes this saying, I picked myself up, looked at what I wrote, and brought it to a friend who works as a writing coach. Whether I understood her advice is debatable for my writing this in the moment, but the process is what is mainly important. I didn't give up and I gave it another shot. I firmly believe hope is not a strategy so I knew I couldn't submit the same essay and hope nobody submitted a better essay than me. Plus another saying I live by is "if you are not getting better, you are getting worse," hence my seeking help form a third party. Now if I won, I won't dedicate a meal to Kendall like others would say, I don't have a lot of time or resources to do so where I am in my dorm. Plus I know Kendall would not want me to stop there. I wouldn't see this as an end but rather a beginning. So will I honor him in the moment with one event? No. I will honor him through all I do and show him, wherever you believe he is, that his legacy will be kept in safe hands.

The phrase “iron sharpens iron” speaks to the essence of growth and mutual inspiration in the culinary world, a concept that resonates deeply with me. I am currently pursuing my culinary arts degree at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), and throughout my journey, I’ve learned that growth is not only about honing technical skills, but also about how we uplift and challenge one another. Whether through mentorship, collaboration, or learning from mistakes, the kitchen is a space where everyone—whether student or chef—becomes better through the contributions of those around them. This is exactly how I view my career and aspirations: as an evolving process of mutual learning and improvement, where I can contribute my unique perspective, inspired by my diverse cultural background, while simultaneously being shaped by those who guide me. Chef Kendall Ross’s legacy of warmth, compassion, and dedication to both his craft and those around him profoundly resonates with my own values. Like Chef Kendall, I’m committed to continuous growth and improvement, and I take every opportunity to learn from my peers and mentors. I want to embody the spirit of his work—not only as a chef but as someone who inspires others to excel and encourages them to reach their fullest potential. His approach to hospitality, always with care and attention, is something I strive to emulate in every dish I create. II’ve always had a passion for cooking—experimenting with flavors and honing my skills in the kitchen. Whether preparing a Persian stew, making homemade bread, or exploring Mediterranean spices, cooking excites me in a way I can't describe. It’s not just about food; it’s my way of sharing love, joy, and culture with others. Each dish is a canvas, and the ingredients are my palette. Before pursuing culinary studies, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting with a GPA of 3.94/4 and an MBA in Marketing with a GPA of 3.58/4. My academic journey has been driven by a commitment to excellence. While art and business shaped me, food has always been my true passion. Serving a meal to someone fills me with purpose, and I’m determined to pursue my calling as a chef. I moved to the United States four years ago, bringing with me the flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean. As an international student, I don’t qualify for FAFSA and have had to work harder than many peers to support myself and fund my education. This financial burden has been tough, but my determination remains strong. Last night, I had a nightmare about the financial hardships I face, fearing I might lose my chance to pursue my dream of becoming a chef. I’ve sacrificed so much—leaving behind my home and family—to follow this path, and I won’t let finances stop me. Winning this scholarship would alleviate some financial pressure, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue my journey toward becoming a chef. It would help me refine my technical skills while blending my passion for art, business, and Mediterranean cuisine to create meaningful culinary experiences. If I am fortunate enough to receive this scholarship, I will dedicate it to Chef Kendall’s memory. I will cook a meal in his honor, infused with the same warmth and passion that he brought to his craft. This scholarship would not only provide financial support, but also affirm my commitment to realizing my dreams.