My Future Journey to the Goal to Become a Pastry Chef

My name is Chinelle Ann Hooper; I am a student at New York City College of Technology, completing a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. My primary purpose and motivation to earn a bachelor’s degree is to pursue a career as a pastry chef and eventually work in a pastry kitchen. Someday I would like to buy or set up and run my very own bakery. However, I am convinced that if I do not complete my college degree I would not have the opportunity to achieve my career goals. Since I discovered my passion for baking, I decided that I will attain a career as a pastry chef.

I was born and raised in India a Southwest Asian country, but because of my physical features, I always stood out. Being from mixed ethnicity, I feel lucky that I am a part of such varied culture and traditions. My mother is originally from the state of Goa in India Portuguese and Indian ancestry and my father is Anglo Indian with Indian, Irish and British ancestry.

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of baking and enjoy the process it takes to bake even a single item. Even as a child I constantly sought it out, first worrying my father to teach me how to make an apple pie, which took me three weekends to finally bake an edible pie, then later television and my go to place for all kinds of research Mr. Google. Baking in all its forms fascinates me, but pastries in particular are a class all to themselves. In fact, it was this continued fascination that brought me years later to New York City College of Technology and learning in the school kitchen labs makes me feel like a kid in a candy store.

I was fascinated with each new class, and captivated by the end result of a recipe. While a few fellow students found themselves stuck by the complexity of the recipe, I have found myself spellbound by it. I believe one needs to be encouraged to interact and express themselves in order to stay interested in the kitchen. I encourage my team members to trust themselves, so that like me, they become passionate about baking for a lifetime. I also enjoy volunteering for various events held by the school, but I particularly love to volunteer for anything that is hands on kitchen related.

At this point in my journey, I have completed my Associates with Honors in Hospitality Management and I'm moving on to complete my Bachelors in New York City College of Technology. I'm aware that all of my goals will remain as goals and will never become a reality if I do not complete my degree. Therefore, I am committed to working hard in school and looking for the opportunities such as the NEWH New York Chapter Scholarship that could help me make my goal a reality.

If my application does not get accepted, I still plan on completing my degree but it would probably take a little longer to attain. With hard work and probably burning the midnight oil and burning the candle at both ends I am determined to achieve what I have set out to do.