Career Program: Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Production
Originally From: Edgar
Current Residence: Neenah
Year Started at FVTC: Fall 2023

---

Why did you choose this career program?

Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to cook, I decided when I was 8 years old. Finding recipes in cookbooks we had around the house was something I did in my free time every day. I was also homeschooled, which allowed more free time in my schedule for things I wanted. Since then, I've been wanting to learn and cook as much as I can. I decided to double major after taking my first baking class in my second semester because I enjoyed it a lot.

What are you learning about your career field that you find interesting or rewarding? 

I love to find out new techniques to prepare a certain food. My favorite class so far has been molecular gastronomy, which taught me a lot about how we think about food and prepare it. I have always liked being able to turn a food that someone didn’t like into something they could not get enough of. I also find the competitive aspect of my profession extremely rewarding. Of course, in food service work, you will always find competitors within your surroundings; however, I also enjoy professionally competing with the ACF.

Why did you choose Fox Valley Technical College? 

I toured FVTC when I was 10 years old and wanted to go here. Half of my siblings attended the tech and had good experiences in their respected fields. When I was older, I did more research on programs throughout the state and found in my field that FVTC had the best program, hands down.

How has Fox Valley Technical College helped you change your life?

When I first started, I had worked at a local department store, and one day a classmate asked me if I wanted a job in a kitchen. I said yes, and she referred me to my current job at Rye Restaurant and Lounge, located downtown Appleton.

What type of job do you expect to find after graduation? 

I want to keep working in kitchens as much as I can, whether I stay where I'm at or move. Working in the kitchen setting gets me in my happiest mood. I want to be able to move up the kitchen work ladder to something that has more responsibilities, like sous chef.

What’s your best advice for someone who’s not sure they’re ready for college? 

Going to college is all about wanting to learn about your topic of choice; picking the topic is easy, wanting to learn isn't.

---

Lightning Round!

Best on-campus place to study: The private study rooms in the library, whether it's with friends or solo.

One class you surprisingly enjoyed: Hospitality Supervision.

One class that challenged you: Quantity Cooking.

One thing every FVTC student must experience on campus before graduating: The Short Order and Quantities lunch.

Pro tip for newcomers trying to find their way around campus: Ask around, most people are willing to help new students.