As an African American teenager with a Caribbean Hatian family background, I’ve always found joy in expressing myself and sharing my culture—especially through food. Among all types of cuisine, desserts have always held a special place in my heart. To me they are more than just sweet treats; they are stories, memories, and traditions passed down through generations and the many more to come. Baking is not just a hobby for me—it’s a way to connect with my roots and to bring people together. With the financial support I receive, I plan to turn this passion into a lifelong career by pursuing my dream of opening a bakery that celebrates and shares international pastry traditions from around the world. The first step toward this dream is to enroll in a respected culinary school and earn a Bachelor of Arts in Pastry Arts. This formal education will provide me with a strong foundation in essential areas such as baking techniques, flavor development, food science, presentation, and kitchen management. I also hope to build the creativity and innovation needed to turn simple ingredients into edible works of art. While tradition is important, I also want to push boundaries—mixing classic recipes with new ideas to create something original and inspiring. With the right training, I’ll be able to blend technical skills with artistic vision, telling cultural stories through every dessert I make. My love for baking is deeply connected to my curiosity about global cultures. From an early age, I was fascinated by how different communities express their values and histories through food. Every dessert has a story behind it—a reflection of the people, geography, and traditions that gave it life. Whether it’s the flaky, buttery layers of a French croissant, the bright and festive colors of a Latin American tres leches cake, or the delicate, honey-soaked layers of Middle Eastern baklava, each pastry represents a unique cultural legacy. I want my future bakery to be a place where people can “taste the world” and leave with more than just a sweet tooth—they’ll leave with knowledge and appreciation for the diversity of global traditions. To ensure authenticity and depth in my work, I also plan to travel widely and learn directly from local bakers and families. Ultimately, my dream is to create a bakery that is more than a business—it will be a cultural hub, a classroom, and a celebration of unity through dessert.

As an African American teen with a Carribean family background ive always loved sharing my culture through food mostly desserts. So, with the financial support I receive, I intend to pursue my long-held dream of opening a bakery that celebrates and shares international pastry traditions. My first step toward this goal will be enrolling in a culinary school to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Pastry Arts. This academic journey will provide me with the professional skills, technical knowledge, and creative foundation needed to bring this vision to life. My passion for baking stems not only from a love of desserts but also from a deep curiosity about the cultural stories they tell. Food has always been a gateway for me to explore the rich traditions, histories, and identities of people around the world. Every pastry carries with it a unique narrative—whether it’s the buttery layers of a French croissant, the delicate craftsmanship of Japanese wagashi, or the spice-infused sweetness of Indian gulab jamun. Through my future bakery, I aim to create a space where people can experience and appreciate these global flavors, and the cultures they represent. In addition to studying pastry arts, I aspire to travel extensively to immerse myself in local baking techniques and traditions. These firsthand experiences will be invaluable in helping me honor the authenticity of each pastry I recreate. By combining formal culinary training with global exploration, I hope to craft a bakery that is not only delicious but also educational and inspiring. Ultimately, my goal is to build a business that fosters cross-cultural appreciation through the universal language of dessert.