My passion and future career goals lie in baking and pastry within the food and hospitality industry. In the fall, I will attend Nicholls State University's Chef John Flose's Culinary Institute to major in Culinary Arts. Baking has always been a major hobby of mine, spending time making treats and desserts for my family ever since I was young. Over time, I realized I could turn something I enjoy into a career path. This awakened my interest in a culinary arts career, helping me discover the career path I desire to pursue. Throughout my junior and senior years of high school, I joined Culinary Arts classes at EBR Career and Technical Education Center. This training center aids children in their future careers. This program gave me hands-on experience working in the field of culinary. From there, I learned the many important aspects when it comes to food and hospitality, such as ServSafe, restaurant management, marketing, and nutrition. Once we hone these skills, we are tested in the kitchen to see what we learn. From this program, I've earned certifications in ServSafe and Level One Foundation in Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts. I enjoy the challenge this program brings, as any difficulties I experience drive me to improve and learn from my mistakes. The first job I ever had in the food industry was at Drake's Catering. For four months, I was employed at a catering service as a buffet server and busser at LSU Tiger Stadium. My job mainly consisted of food and bussing tables for guests. With many things happening at once, it takes the entire staff to ensure everything runs smoothly. Despite the stressful moments, I don’t regret working here as my first job. Thanks to Drake’s Catering, I received hands-on experience in the food industry, which gave me realistic expectations of what I’ll experience in pursuing my career in culinary arts. Now as I await my fall semester as a university freshman my interest in culinary has never diminished. My lifelong goal in this career is to start a bakery here in Louisiana. While I enjoy baking, I feel better when I share it with the people within my community. Having a bakery is the perfect opportunity to combine my enjoyment of creating and sharing baked goods with others. Currently, I have a small business selling gourmet cookies. I had doubts about its success, I didn't think many people would be interested, but I took the risk. I was thrilled when people took an interest, buying my products. It's been several months since I started, making over hundreds of dollars, receiving great feedback, and gaining entrepreneurial experience. This feels like a big accomplishment and a motivator for me, contributing to my interest in a future career as a pastry chef. Every day, I strive to work hard towards my goals. Receiving this scholarship will provide me with support in the areas where I can gain more knowledge. While I have adequate knowledge in the field, there is much more I need to learn before I’m ready. I have overcome many obstacles and challenges that got in my way, and I am ready for whatever comes next. I am confident this scholarship will support me in successfully achieving my life ambitions.