My name is Kyara Cooley , and from a young age, I’ve found comfort in the kitchen—it’s where I’ve learned patience, discipline, and the joy of creating something from scratch. What started as a hobby quickly grew into something more serious. Over the past few years, I’ve dedicated myself to learning different baking techniques, trying out new recipes, and adding my own twist to traditional desserts. My dream is to turn that passion into a career as a professional pastry chef. Culinary arts isn’t just about cooking to me—it’s about expression, connection, and love. There’s something powerful about being able to tell a story through food, and even more powerful when that food brings joy to others. I want to create dishes that leave lasting impressions, not just in taste but in memory. Whether it’s a layered cake for a special occasion, a plate of warm cookies to comfort someone, or an entire dessert spread that brings people together, I see food as a way to make people feel cared for and celebrated. What draws me to a career in culinary arts is the ability to combine my creativity with my drive to serve others. I’ve always been a hands-on learner, and I love the fast-paced, detail-focused environment of a kitchen. I plan to attend a college with a strong culinary arts program where I can learn directly from professionals and gain the skills needed to thrive in the food industry. Eventually, I hope to work at a high-end restaurant or resort and one day open my own bakery. But beyond personal success, I want my career to be rooted in purpose. Giving back to my community is something I think about often, and I believe food is one of the most powerful ways to do that. In the future, I plan to host free baking workshops for kids and teens interested in culinary arts—especially those who may not have access to resources or training. I want to create opportunities for young people to discover the joy of cooking and build confidence in themselves, just like I did. Additionally, I hope to partner with local shelters and community centers to provide meals or desserts for people in need. Whether it’s donating baked goods, offering cooking classes, or using my bakery as a safe space for youth to learn job skills, I want to be someone who uplifts my community through food and kindness. A culinary arts career will allow me to do what I love every day while making a difference in people’s lives. I believe that with passion, hard work, and a strong education, I can turn my dreams into reality. I’m excited to grow, learn, and eventually give back to the same kind of community that shaped and supported me. Food brings people together—and I’m ready to use that power to serve, inspire, and give back.

My name is Kyara Cooley , and I am a determined, creative, and goal-driven student who is passionate about making a positive impact on others through leadership and service. I believe in the power of community, hard work, and staying true to your purpose—values that guide me as I pursue my education and plan for my future career. One of my biggest goals is to attend Delaware State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where I know I can grow into the best version of myself academically, personally, and professionally. Choosing to attend an HBCU, and especially Delaware State University, is a meaningful decision for me. I want to be part of a rich legacy of Black excellence, where I’m surrounded by faculty and students who understand my background and who will challenge me to rise higher. DSU offers not only a strong academic foundation but also a vibrant campus life and a culture that encourages leadership, pride, and purpose. I believe that at Delaware State, I will gain the education, confidence, and community support I need to pursue my dreams and make a lasting impact. My future career goals revolve around becoming a project leader or event planner who uses their skills to create real change in the community. I’ve always enjoyed organizing, planning, and bringing people together—whether it’s through small gatherings, school events, or group projects. Over time, I realized that event planning is more than just coordinating—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that inspire, educate, and unite people. I want to turn this passion into a profession where I’m not just planning parties, but building purpose-driven events that support causes like youth development, mental health awareness, and educational access. I plan to study business, communications, or hospitality at Delaware State University to sharpen my skills in organization, leadership, budgeting, and team collaboration. My dream is to one day own an event planning company that specializes in community events, fundraisers, and cultural celebrations. I want to create spaces that bring people together, promote positive messages, and uplift those who are often overlooked. Whether it’s helping a young entrepreneur launch their first event or organizing a local festival to support Black-owned businesses, I want my work to leave a meaningful footprint. A scholarship would give me the chance to focus fully on my education and growth without being weighed down by financial stress. I take my goals seriously, and I’m committed to making the most of every opportunity given to me. I believe I have the passion, drive, and vision to become a successful leader who gives back to their community, and Delaware State University is the perfect place for me to start that journey. In the end, my goal is not just to have a career, but to create a life that inspires others and makes a difference. With the right education, training, and support, I know I can achieve that.