
Hobbies and interests
Sports
Kaylee Ortiz
345
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Kaylee Ortiz
345
Bold Points1x
FinalistEducation
Mount Morris Middle/Senior High School
High SchoolMajors:
- Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Associate's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General
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.