Being kind is something that has been instilled in me since my youth. Growing up with a single mother who worked multiple jobs, and as the oldest of three children, I learned the importance of kindness and responsibility early on. I know that I have to pave the way not only for myself but also for my siblings. My mother’s tireless efforts to provide for us have shown me the value of hard work and dedication. Despite her long hours and the many sacrifices she has made, she has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and to be kind to others. With my mother unable to help pay for college, I am relying on scholarships to cover the cost of my education. This financial challenge has not deterred me; rather, it has strengthened my will to succeed. I am passionate about cooking and have a deep love for baking. My ultimate goal is to become a chef and open my own restaurant or bakery. Achieving this dream is not just about personal success; it is about creating a space where people can come together and share in the joy of food. Food has a unique ability to bring people together. It transcends cultural and social barriers, creating opportunities for connection and understanding. My vision for the future includes hosting community events centered around food, such as pop-up dinners, food festivals, and food drives. These events can foster a sense of community and belonging, providing a platform for people to share their stories and traditions. Pop-up dinners and food festivals are excellent ways to introduce people to diverse cuisines and culinary traditions. These events can celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that make up our community, highlighting local ingredients and chefs. By organizing such events, I can help create an appreciation for different cultures and encourage people to step out of their culinary comfort zones. Food drives are another way to give back to the community. By organizing drives to collect and distribute food to those in need, I can help alleviate hunger and ensure that everyone has access to nutritious meals. This is a cause that is very close to my heart, as I have witnessed firsthand the struggles that come with financial hardship. My journey to becoming a chef is driven by more than just a love of cooking. It is about using food as a means to connect people, celebrate diversity, and give back to the community. By pursuing my education and career goals, I hope to create a positive impact that extends far beyond the kitchen.

I began playing baseball at the tender age of 3, and it became a significant part of my entire childhood. I went through countless bats, gloves, hats, and jerseys as a child. Baseball, for me, was a "best friend." In fact, it was more than that. It was a passion that brought me immense joy; even though it didn't love me back. As I became older, I joined a travel team, and I began to notice tremendous improvements in my skills. During that time, I would get praises from parents, and coaches about how well I played. I was having the most fun I've ever had. Yet at the pinnacle of it all, the world shut down. The pandemic created a great shift in my life. I lost family members, friends, witnessed my parents divorce, my travel team disbanded, and I was confined to my home. However, so was the rest of the world. Following the lock down, I entered high school. As a freshman, I was eager to continue my baseball journey. Unfortunately, It took an unexpected turn. For the first time in my life; I was cut from a team. I found myself confined at home once again, when I made the switch from in person learning, to virtual learning. During my remote learning, I would retreat to my garage lifting weights, practicing throws, and engaging in other training activities. Meanwhile, the memories of that rejection looped in my mind like a painful knife in my gut. Despite the toll it took on my grades, I remained fixated on vindicating my worth in the eyes of a coach who had dismissed me without a second thought. During the summer leading into my junior year, I was given an opportunity for a new start. My dad, who is a teacher, accepted a new position at Braswell High School where I graduated from. This allowed me to transfer schools and reignite my passion for baseball with a new team and proper coaching. I was now back with my lifelong passion. During this time, I put everything to the side and focused on one thing. Baseball, baseball, baseball. My single-minded focus on the sport affected many other aspects of my life. I lost myself. I didn't know who I was. I took this sport and placed it so high above other things in my life to where it became a plague to my mind. One bad game or practice had the power to ruin my entire day or week, turning baseball into an idol. However, I now know that I am more than just a baseball player – I am a son, a brother, an aspiring chef, an artist, and so much more. Reflecting on my past, I recognized my misplaced priorities. The relentless pursuit of validation in baseball had diminished the importance of academic success. This realization prompted a shift of my priorities. I began to put additional effort into academics, and recognized the need for a more balanced approach to life. While baseball still remained a source of joy, I now understand the dangers of letting it overshadow the richness of my broader identity. Reflecting on these experiences, I've gained valuable lessons, and experiences that have reshaped my perspective on life. The trials and tribulations of the past years have contributed to my growth, revealing a deeper understanding of the world and the people around me. I have realized that someone's identity goes far beyond one passion they may have. There are various roles and aspects that collectively define who I am as a human being.

My name is Troy Mann. I am from Brooklyn New York, and I plan on making a positive impact on the world by becoming a chef. An issue I have come across in this process is the cost of school. Culinary school is very expensive. I am extremely passionate about cooking, and I believe that food can do a lot more than just fill our stomachs. Going to culinary school will allow me to learn an abundance of new skills, and techniques; and will give me the experience needed to pursue other cooking jobs. From that point, the exposure gained will make me more credible allowing me to do more things, and reach more people. One of the most impactful ways I can impact the world as a chef is by promoting healthy eating. Having credibility gives me a platform I can use to place emphasis on the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their dishes. Sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and producers, not only supports local economies but also ensures that their dishes are made with the highest quality and freshest ingredients available. Locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy products are often more nutritious and flavorful than their mass-produced counterparts, as they are typically harvested at peak ripeness and retain more of their natural vitamins and minerals. In addition to that, I can make a difference by becoming a chef by giving back; bringing people together, and hosting community events centered around food. Whether it's a pop-up dinner, food festival, cooking class, or food drive, these events create opportunities for people to gather, share experiences, and celebrate the culinary diversity of their community. By curating memorable dining experiences that showcase local flavors and traditions, I can help strengthen social bonds and create a sense of belonging among others. Another way I can make an impact while bringing people together is by educating and mentoring aspiring culinary professionals by providing hands-on training and guidance in professional kitchens. Whether it's through apprenticeship programs, culinary internships, or entry-level positions, I want to allow young chefs to have the opportunity to learn from a professional, in a real-world culinary environment. Under the mentorship of experienced chefs, they can gain practical skills, refine their techniques, and develop a deep understanding of culinary principles and practices. These are a few reasons why I want to become a chef and help people who don't have enough to eat. I want to use my cooking skills to help communities. I want to start food drives where people can come and get food when they need it. I would like to give back to my city of Brooklyn as well. Every day the poverty rates grow in New York. And I believe that I could make a difference. Thank you for considering my application.

My name is Troy Mann. I am from Brooklyn New York, and I plan on making a positive impact on the world by becoming a chef. An issue I have come across in this process is the cost of school. Culinary school is very expensive. I am extremely passionate about cooking, and I believe that food can do a lot more than just fill our stomachs. Going to culinary school will allow me to learn an abundance of new skills, and techniques; and will give me the experience needed to pursue other cooking jobs. From that point, the exposure gained will make me more credible allowing me to do more things, and reach more people. One of the most impactful ways I can impact the world as a chef is by promoting healthy eating. Having credibility gives me a platform I can use to place emphasis on the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their dishes. Sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and producers, not only supports local economies but also ensures that their dishes are made with the highest quality and freshest ingredients available. Locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy products are often more nutritious and flavorful than their mass-produced counterparts, as they are typically harvested at peak ripeness and retain more of their natural vitamins and minerals. In addition to that, I can make a difference by becoming a chef by bringing people together and hosting community events centered around food. Whether it's a pop-up dinner, food festival, cooking class, or food drive, these events create opportunities for people to gather, share experiences, and celebrate the culinary diversity of their community. By curating memorable dining experiences that showcase local flavors and traditions, I can help strengthen social bonds and create a sense of belonging among others. Another way I can make an impact while bringing people together is by educating and mentoring aspiring culinary professionals by providing hands-on training and guidance in professional kitchens. Whether it's through apprenticeship programs, culinary internships, or entry-level positions, I want to allow young chefs to have the opportunity to learn from a professional, in a real-world culinary environment. Under the mentorship of experienced chefs, they can gain practical skills, refine their techniques, and develop a deep understanding of culinary principles and practices. These are a few reasons why I want to become a chef and help people who don't have enough to eat. I want to use my cooking skills to help communities. I want to start food drives where people can come and get food when they need it. I would like to give back to my city of Brooklyn as well. Every day the poverty rates grow in New York. And I believe that I could make a difference. Thank you for considering my application.

Living in Brooklyn, New York, exposed me to a reality that people do not typically see. The streets were filled with poverty. People struggling to make ends meet, begging for food, or doing anything at all to get what they needed. I remember one particular night vividly. We had just ordered pizza for dinner and were walking back to our house when we encountered a man and his daughter huddled on the sidewalk with a sign that read "Anything helps." Without hesitation, my mother handed over our food, and the man's tearful gratitude left a profound impact on me. Instances like this, along with countless others, shaped my perspective on the world. And my parents' compassionate interactions with the less fortunate left a lasting impression on me. Their kindness sparked my desire to help those in need. After my family and I relocated to Texas, I became actively involved in volunteer activities. After all my experiences volunteering (past, and present), I believe that food drives offer a tangible solution to the ongoing issue of poverty. Food drives are simple yet powerful initiatives where people donate non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, and rice. Volunteers then collect and distribute these donations to places like food banks and shelters, providing much-needed assistance to struggling families. Creating more volunteer opportunities for the public such as soup kitchens, and food pantries are great ways to fight hunger. Food drives are more than just about providing meals. They serve as catalysts for community unity, bringing together people from all walks of life. Whether organized by schools, businesses, churches, or clubs, everyone can contribute in some way. Beyond the act of giving, food drives foster empathy and understanding, strengthening the bonds within communities. Along with allowing opportunities to socialize, and meet new people. In addition to that, food drives prompt conversations about the root causes of hunger and poverty. By raising awareness and mobilizing support, they advocate for systemic changes such as better job opportunities and more affordable housing. Through collective action and advocacy, we can work towards a fairer society where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. Food drives do more than just hand out food. Not only will mouths get fed, but they symbolize a collective effort to address the deeper issues of poverty and inequality. By participating in and supporting these initiatives, we can make meaningful strides toward building a more compassionate society, where every mouth gets fed.