Alumni Spotlight: Marilyn Ontiveros

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First Name/Last   Marilyn Ontiveros
Current City   Houston, Texas
Course of Study   AAS in Culinary Arts
Graduation   2018

Good evening! My name is Marilyn Ontiveros and I am proud to be a current CULINARY INSTITUTE LENOTRE® student and an alumnus.
I am a single mother of 3 with 2 grandchildren (no they don’t all live with me, thank God!). In October of 2015, I decided to go back to school to do what I have always dreamed of, becoming a Chef. I was so impressed with the CULINARY INSTITUTE LENOTRE® staff and their caring attitude that I decided that this was wonderful institution where I wanted to go.

When I first started, I worked 2 jobs at the same time to make ends meet, which they usually didn’t and still don’t. With rent, a vehicle payment, food, utilities and school tuition plus having a special needs child, makes everything overwhelming and difficult.
I graduated in March 16, with an Associate degree in Culinary Arts. I started working, at a fast pace for The Post Oak Hotel, and within 2 weeks, I had a heart attack, at the age of 52. April 1st, 2018 I had a double bypass surgery. By the time I was out of the hospital, my mother had a heart attack too, April 12 and then passed away April 16.
But I am now back to work for Aramark at NRG Center 3 days a week. Two days a week I attend CULINARY INSTITUTE LENOTRE® college again for my second associate’s degree, in Hospitality and Restaurant Management, so that I move up the ladder a little.
Whether you know it or not your generous donation helped my dream of becoming a Chef come true. I received a Scholarship for $5000 and I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful opportunity. My mother passed knowing I achieved my dream, because of you.
Thank You!!!

Alicia

Alicia

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