Martha Brooks Culinary Arts Scholarship

Unlike most people during their childhood, I didn’t grow up on cartoons like Gravity Falls or Steven Universe. I actually used to watch different shows on Food Network and Animal Planet. A few of the shows I have a strong memory of watching constantly were “Kids Baking Championship”, “Cake Boss”, “Chopped Junior”, and “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives”. I had already taken a liking to baking which was mostly from my love for different types of foods and the process that goes into making it. Watching those shows, seeing how people who were either older, younger, or the same age as me around that time creating amazing desserts/dishes that others could enjoy basically solidified my dream of becoming a baker and a chef. Fortunately, my parents were and still are very supportive to the point they gave me a lot of material that would allow my passion to grow such as a stand mixer & different recipe books. In fact, it resulted in me being almost completely self taught. However, there are things that I wanted to learn directly from professionals, so I made the decision in my sophomore year of high school that I would pursue a degree in baking & pastry arts. I also realized at a young age that I am a very artsy and creative person. I would sometimes spend hours either replicating or creating a piece of artwork in a sketchbook my parents got for me and each of my siblings (as a way to get us to put the tablets down). As I got older, I took a heavy interest in art related activities such as animation, illustration, and graphic design. Over time, I started to unconsciously imagine different designs for desserts I wanted to decorate and adding different creative liberties into my desserts. With that in mind, I started my own baking business, Bubbles’ Sweet Treats, where I utilize my artist abilities to create unique and creative desserts. Not only that, my products will also accommodate those with dietary restrictions such as allergies/intolerances, offer different cultural desserts, and use high quality ingredients. Becoming an entrepreneur in the field of culinary/baking & pastry arts has always been a goal life for me. However, it wasn't the only goal in my career life. While searching for sources that would help expand my skill sets, I noticed how there were very few schools for baking or cooking in the general area that I currently reside in or areas surrounding it. Not only that, there’s been a common occurrence of teenagers not having a healthy method of expressing themselves. As a solution for this problem, I plan to one day have a baking school that offers baking classes such as cake decorating, pastry making, chocolate molding, etc for youth. While people of all ages and interests can attend, my main target audience are teenagers to young adults that have interests in baking and artsy stuff. I would be able to connect better to the people I teach due to the fact that I am also like that. Teenagers usually have a hard time expressing themselves so the classes will allow them to express themselves through both baking and creative design. While I have a long way to go before I can reach this goal, I know it’s possible to achieve and winning this scholarship would be one of the many things that will help bring me closer to it.

All through high school, my teachers would tell me that i’m a good leader. I am a highly motivated and ambitious individual with a passion for creating memorable experiences, especially in the kitchen. That is why I am going to college to pursue my dream of becoming a famous Private Chef. Being a private chef requires the skills of management, design, creativity, organization, and leadership, which I truly believe that I pass all qualifications. From the age of ten I’ve been drawn to the kitchen, a place where love, culture, and creativity converge. My grandmother was my first mentor. She taught me more than just the art of cooking; she instilled in me the values of patience, precision and passion. As I got older, my love for culinary deepened, leading me to enroll in the culinary program at my high school. During the program, I took on the responsibility of managing inventory and ensuring we had all the necessary ingredients for our creations. This role taught me the importance of organization, planning, and attention to detail in a culinary setting. In the 11th grade, I earned my ServSafe Manager Certification, further solidifying my commitment to the culinary arts. As a woman of color, I am very aware of the under-presentation we face, not just in the culinary field, but everywhere. This scholarship is not just an opportunity for me to further my skills; it’s a chance for me to help change the narrative and pave the way for more women of color in the industry. In the future, along with becoming a private chef I plan to use my culinary knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the world. I envision traveling the world, doing pop-up shops for people who have been considering coming into the culinary field, but are too scared because they don’t know where to start. I am particularly interested in supporting these pop-ups as platforms for important conversations, encouraging attendees to take action on what they want to become in life. I hope to inspire the next generation of chefs, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, and show them how they too can achieve success in the culinary field. In conclusion, I am passionate about culinary arts because it allows me to express my creativity, show my management and leadership skills, celebrate my heritage, and make a positive impact on my community. I am excited about the opportunity to learn, grow, and further my education and bring my dreams to life.

Growing up, I was always drawn to the kitchen, fascinated by the sights, sounds, and smells that filled the air as my family gathered to cook and share meals together. However, it wasn't until the COVID-19 pandemic struck that my passion for cooking truly blossomed. At the age of 15, with schools closed and social activities limited, I found myself spending more time at home than ever before. Seeking a creative outlet and a way to pass the time, I turned to the kitchen—and little did I know, it would become the cornerstone of my future aspirations. What began as simple experimentation with recipes soon evolved into a full-fledged culinary journey. Armed with cookbooks, online tutorials, and a healthy dose of trial and error, I immersed myself in the world of cooking, eager to learn as much as I could. From mastering the art of baking bread to perfecting the techniques of French cuisine, each new culinary challenge fueled my passion and ignited my creativity. For me, cooking is more than just a hobby—it's a form of self-expression, a way to connect with others, and a means of nourishing both body and soul. In the kitchen, I find solace and joy, a space where I can unleash my creativity and share my love for food with those around me. Whether it's experimenting with exotic spices, recreating childhood favorites, or hosting dinner parties for friends and family, cooking has become an integral part of who I am. As I reflect on my journey thus far, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that cooking has afforded me and inspired by the potential it holds for the future. That's why I'm drawn to a career in culinary arts—not only as a means of pursuing my passion but also as a way to make a positive impact on the world around me. Looking ahead, I envision using my culinary skills and knowledge to give back to my community in meaningful ways. One way I plan to do this is by volunteering at local soup kitchens or food banks, where I can use my cooking expertise to help provide nutritious meals to those in need. Additionally, I hope to collaborate with local schools or community centers to offer cooking classes or workshops, teaching others how to prepare healthy, affordable meals and empowering them to take control of their own nutrition. Furthermore, I am passionate about using food as a tool for social change and environmental sustainability. Whether it's advocating for locally sourced ingredients, reducing food waste, or promoting plant-based cooking, I believe that small changes in our culinary habits can have a big impact on the world around us. By raising awareness and inspiring others to make more conscious choices in their food consumption, I hope to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for all. In conclusion, my journey into the world of culinary arts has been a transformative one, shaping not only my skills as a cook but also my outlook on life. With a deep-seated passion for cooking and a desire to make a positive difference in the world, I am eager to embark on this culinary adventure and see where it takes me. Through my future career in culinary arts, I hope to not only pursue my own dreams but also to inspire others and give back to my community in meaningful and impactful ways.