The Kendall Ross scholarship immediately inspired me to apply ,not only because i am pastry and baking/ holistic Nutrition student ,but because Kendall is my oldest grandson’s name and he loved to cook and bake with me, My grandson life was cut short at the tender age of 9 the year of 2019. He had a severe asthma attack and went into cardiac arrest. Although his time was brief on this earth I will always hold this special memory in my heart. Before that tragic day my grandson and i would cook and bake all the time. That is just one of my fondest memories with him. One memory that stands out is he and his class went to the pumpkin patch and every child was to pick a nice size pumpkin and bring it home and make something with it. He was so clever and creative he asked his mom if his Nana could use his pumpkin to make a pumpkin pie. This brings smiles to my heart as i tell this story. He brings me the beautiful pumpkin and says “Nana can you teach me to make a pumpkin pie for his teacher? Now most students would just make a pumpkin face and sit it on the porch but he was very adamant about making this pie. I had never made a pumpkin pie. So i made a deal that I would cut the pumpkin open and he would clean all the seeds out the best he can. So we work to together and we was successful in baking a delicious pumpkin pie. When he return to school that Monday the teacher ask every one to show there pumpkins. Everyone had a funny face pumpkin and some had scary face pumpkins but my grandson stood up and the teacher ask Kendall where is your pumpkin did you leave at home he says boldly no my nana and i made a pumpkin pie with my pumpkin. She was shocked and amazed at his accomplishment. The phrase iron sharpens iron is a prefect example of teaching and inspiring my grandson to use his imagination and he inspired me to see his idea by turning his pumpkin into a delicious pie. I was inspired to one day teach children the fundamentals of cooking and baking. Iron sharpen iron is a great quote being able to inspire someone at any age and also learn and be inspired from them as well shows character and maturity. Kendall Ross’s favorite quote holds a special place in my heart as well as in my career life. This quote speaks volume in my life. It has taught me to see the value of learning from one another no matter the age but most of all the memories of connecting with my dear grandson, Kendall. Being in culinary industry is stressful and demanding but when you put your energy, and time into something you love and enjoy it become worth it

My love of food came from my mom and my dad; they both were great cooks from New Orleans. Living in a big family. My mom would always need help, and I would always be willing to help in the kitchen. I would get the pots, wash the chicken, stir the beans, mix up the corn bread, and also put a little salt in the beans and greens. I guess I was a sous chef in the making. As I grew up, I would watch cooking shows on TV, which inspired me to cook more. I wanted to cook and bake like the professionals do, so my food looks presentable on the plates. I plan to make a positive impact by sharing my skills with children who have a love for cooking. I am very patient with children. I have ten grandchildren of my own. Some like to cook and bake, and some just like to eat, but that's ok. Sometimes I need a taste tester when I am trying new recipes. My life goal is to finish school and graduate with a 4.0 or higher and with honors. After graduation, my dream is to open a bakery/cafe and teach children cooking classes. I am a passionate and dedicated pastry student with a lifelong love for baking. I am committed to pursuing a career in the pastry arts and continue to grow my skills. From a young age, baking has brought me a sense of joy, and I am overjoyed knowing my graduation date is near.