Growing up in New York was definitely beneficial to me because I was able to see the industry thrive in diverse ways. It has opened my eyes to the ways that companies cater to their clientele. This caught my eye early on in life.

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From an early age, I was always in the kitchen with my grandmother cooking something different every day. I realized my love for food and being able to put a smile on someone’s face. In high school, I was able to expand upon this love by working at an assisted living home where I would cook for the residence and then interact with them. It was when I was able to see the smiles on their faces that I knew I was in the right industry. As I finish my internship with the Midcoast Hospitality Group in Maine, I feel I have gained valuable experiences in event planning, hosting, serving and front desk operations. Overall, I have learned that flexibility is key, and that putting in a little extra effort to make a customer happy is the most rewarding feeling.

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As I am about to finish my junior year at the Culinary Institute of America and getting my degree in hospitality management, I am looking ahead to the future. Although I am uncertain of what part of the industry I will end up in, I know that I will be happy and grateful for whatever I decide. I look forward to expanding my knowledge of the hospitality industry and seeing what more it has to offer.