I have been engaged in the culinary industry since I was 14, starting my career as a busser in a small restaurant. As I progressed, I embraced various roles, including front-of-house responsibilities such as serving ice cream and desserts, bussing tables, food running, hosting, and occasionally waiting tables. Additionally, I worked as a catering chef, where I took on the roles of prep cook, service chef, and expeditor. My enthusiasm for the culinary arts led me to enroll in a BOCES program, where I enhanced my understanding of essential culinary techniques and developed my leadership skills. During my time in the program, I served as president, vice president, and secretary, which equipped me with valuable experience in time management, interpersonal communication, financial oversight, and leadership. As I embarked on my studies at The Culinary Institute of America, I gained further insights into fundamental cooking techniques, time management, and leadership. I applied these skills during my externship at The Breakers, where I worked as a cook for the HMF restaurant, managing hundreds of covers each night. These experiences have not only helped me evolve into a more skilled chef but also a more compassionate individual within the hospitality sector.