Why did you choose to participate in the co-op program in your senior year?
Co-op was a great way to put the passion I have for culinary into real industry work and to confirm my passion for what I do. It surrounds me with people that share that same drive and creative nature. In shop you learn the basics and you get to “test the waters”, but co-op is a nice way to jump into the deep end head first knowing that no one will let you fail. My job has not only taught me how to cook and how to be an asset to a restaurant, but it has also has taught me that sometimes you get overwhelmed, sometimes you may want to quit, but at the end of the day we get worked up because we care so deeply about what we do. I will forever have a full heart for the culinary industry, but more importantly my family at Scarlet Oak who have continued to encourage and fuel my love for what I do. I’ve done a lot and I plan to do more, but I certainly won’t be doing it without them.