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Jaylin Gerald

1x

Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Bowling
  • Chess
  • Cooking
  • Culinary Arts
  • Anime

Bio

My main hobbies include going to the movies, playing video games with friends, watching TV and going to restaurants. My favorite dishes are Crab Cakes, Banana Pudding, and Shrimp Alfredo. Both of my parents can cook, but it is more on my mother's side of the family.

Education

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Bachelor's degree program

2023 – 2027

Majors:
  • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General

Forest Park High

High School

2020 – 2023

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Associate's degree program
Majors of interest:
Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General

Career

  • Server

    Utilities · Johnson and Wales University

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Food & Beverages
Has nursing license:
No
Chef Marco “Gabby” Pantano Memorial Scholarship
From a young age, I have always been fascinated by the way food brings people together. Some of my favorite memories were made in the kitchen, where I watched family members prepare meals with care, creativity, and love. Those experiences taught me that cooking is much more than following recipes, it is a way to express yourself, preserve traditions, and create meaningful connections. As my passion for cooking has grown, I have realized that pursuing an education in the culinary arts is the best way to transform that passion into a rewarding and lifelong career. Although I have spent many hours developing my cooking skills through practice and personal experience, I understand that professional success requires much more than talent alone. A culinary education will provide me with the technical knowledge, discipline, and hands-on training needed to excel in a professional kitchen. I am eager to learn advanced cooking techniques, food safety practices, menu planning, nutrition, baking, and kitchen management from experienced chefs who can help me refine my abilities. I also look forward to working alongside classmates who share the same passion for food and creativity, allowing us to learn from one another while building valuable professional relationships. One of the aspects of the culinary arts that inspires me most is the opportunity to make people happy through food. A well-prepared meal has the power to comfort someone, celebrate important milestones, and create lasting memories. Knowing that something I create can have such a positive impact motivates me to continually improve my skills and strive for excellence. I believe that every dish tells a story, and I want my work to reflect dedication, creativity, and respect for quality ingredients. My long-term career goal is to become a professional chef who is recognized for both culinary excellence and outstanding leadership. After gaining experience in established restaurants, I hope to eventually open my own restaurant where I can showcase my unique style of cooking while creating a welcoming environment for guests. I want my restaurant to be known not only for exceptional food but also for outstanding customer service and a strong commitment to supporting local farmers and sustainable practices. In addition to managing my own business, I hope to mentor aspiring chefs, helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the culinary industry. I recognize that the culinary profession is demanding and requires hard work, dedication, and continuous learning. Long hours, fast-paced environments, and high expectations are all part of the career I have chosen. Rather than discouraging me, these challenges motivate me to work harder and become the best chef I can be. I am committed to embracing every opportunity to grow, learn from experienced professionals, and continually improve my craft. Pursuing an education in the culinary arts is an important step toward achieving my dreams. It will provide the foundation I need to develop my skills, expand my knowledge, and prepare for a successful career in the food industry. With determination, creativity, and a strong work ethic, I am confident that I can build a meaningful career doing what I love while making a positive impact on others through the universal language of food.
Charles Brown Culinary Scholarship
My love for cooking began at a young age, rooted in the warmth of family gatherings and the joy of sharing meals with those I care about. I remember standing on a stool beside my grandmother, watching her create incredible dishes with simple ingredients. It wasn’t just about the food—it was about the connection, the culture, and the love that went into every bite. That emotional bond to cooking grew into a passion for experimenting with flavors, learning global cuisines, and understanding the power of food as both nourishment and expression. As I pursue my culinary degree, my goal is to make a positive impact by using food as a force for good. I want to promote sustainable cooking practices, reduce food waste, and advocate for access to nutritious meals in underserved communities. Beyond the kitchen, I hope to use my platform to educate others about mindful eating and the cultural significance of food around the world. Whether it's opening a community-based restaurant, teaching young people to cook, or collaborating with local farms, I believe that food can heal, empower, and unite. Through my education and passion, I intend to be a part of that change. Once I get my degree, I plan to use that as an incentive to push myself through the hardships in the culinary field. Nobody said cooking was going to be easy, but no one said it was hard either. In cooking, it is all about the effort and heart you put into what you do that makes it special.
Jaylin Gerald Student Profile | Bold.org