My father was a chef and taught me from a very early age about food. This teaching turned into a passion, not a passion for all foods but a passion for baking. I started out making cakes for a friend. She had to have several surgeries on her knee and for each one, I made her a cake. I then made a cake for my church's pie auction and it was auctioned off at a record-breaking amount. Soon I was making cakes for every occasion and I loved it. Then the pandemic happened and I wasn't able to see people and give them my cakes. I got a job baking full-time at my family's coffee shop and I baked for three locations. I spent my day doing what I loved and I couldn't be happier. Once school started back up I wasn't able to be the full-time baker but I was continuously baking at home. My senior year in high school I decided that is what I wanted to do for my career. That year I was the most I had been involved in school and working two jobs. But I wouldn't change it for the world. In my free time, I spent it all baking and giving out my goodies to all my friends and family. I met this Lady who gave me a connection to the coolest internship opportunity I could ask for. I got to spend my summer at the Historical Willard Hotel in Washington D.C. with some amazing pastry chefs. I got to work right beside them and get a glimpse at what my future could look like. I didn't think I could be more passionate about what I was doing but I found out it was possible. I love baking because it helps me bring people together and connect with new people. Everyone in that moment has something they have in common, they are enjoying what they are eating. Food brings people together in several ways. One thing you can always count on when going somewhere or meeting someone you can always count on some type of food. I love how you can make anything you want and connect with someone in some type of way. I hope that with me pursuing a baking career I am able to help make people smile whether it is at a birthday party, wedding, or even a funeral.