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Kaylee Ortiz

345

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Education

Mount Morris Middle/Senior High School

High School
2015 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Associate's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Food Production

    • Dream career goals:

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Volunteering

      Kamal R. Jones Memorial Scholarship
      From the moment I was born, I was brought up by cooking with my grandmother. From then on, I have always had the love to cook and make people happy. I got that motivation to want to go to college from my grandmother after she passed away in 2021. I have always wanted to make her proud and to find joy in cooking the same way she did. She would always say that if I find something that I love so much, I need to chase it and to always be proud of the food I make because she says that you can always find joy in food if you put your mind and heart into it. Growing up, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning her secrets and techniques. She taught me how to knead dough, season a roast, and balance flavors to create the perfect dish. These moments were more than just cooking lessons; they were life lessons. Through her, I learned the importance of patience, precision, and passion. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, love, and creativity, and I felt a deep connection to her and the food we created together. When she passed away, I felt a profound loss, but also a renewed sense of purpose. I realized that pursuing a career in culinary arts was not just about honoring her memory, but also about fulfilling my own dreams. I wanted to continue her legacy and bring the same joy to others that she brought to our family. My grandmother's words have always stayed with me: "You can always find joy in food if you put your mind and heart into it." This philosophy has guided me in every dish I create and every goal I set for myself. Attending culinary school is the next step in my journey. I want to refine my skills, learn from the best, and immerse myself in the world of culinary arts. I am eager to explore different cuisines, experiment with new techniques, and push the boundaries of my creativity. My ultimate aspiration is to open my own restaurant, where I can share my love for cooking with a wider audience and create a space where people can come together to enjoy delicious food and make lasting memories. In conclusion, my culinary aspirations are deeply rooted in the love and lessons I received from my grandmother. Her passion for cooking and her belief in me have inspired me to pursue this path with dedication and enthusiasm. By attending culinary school, I am not only honoring her memory but also following my own passion for creating joy through food.
      Kaylee Ortiz Student Profile | Bold.org