I first started school at CIL in 2015,I then graduated on March 16, 2018 with my first Associates degree in Culinary Arts. At the time I couldn’t go back to work as of yet because I had had a heart attack and heart surgery in April 2018, so then I decided to come back in January of 2019 to get my second associates. With the strength of my family and friends no matter how many times I wanted to give up, I couldn’t. Since I stuck with it and listened to the people who love me I am now a kitchen manager at NRG Stadium (catering to the suites) and the kitchen manager for a place called Dukes. I am now graduating from CULINARY INSTITUTE LENOTRE® again with my second associate’s degree, in Hospitality and Restaurant Management and am very proud of myself. My grades have not always been what I have wanted them to be but I still succeeded because I am here with you today getting my degree. Whether you know it or not you have made your dreams come true with all of your hard work and perseverance, with all of your heart and pride because YOU took a chance. DO NOT let anyone tell you that you can’t do something or that you won’t succeed at it because YOU will. Go for that dream job, go for the life you know you deserve. I am going to leave you with 3 of my favorite quotes and a Chef’s prayer that I found: “The kitchen is my calming place when to so many it is a noisy and chaotic mess.” Marilyn Ontiveros **To me the kitchen is where my happiness is** “There is no sincerer love than the love of food!” George Bernard Shaw **Always be as sincere as you can possibly be** "Never stop dreaming of where your journey may take you!" Andrew Zimmern **Always take your journey to the next level** What I do is not easy, It is always measured, It’s me, it is the way I am,

At LENOTRE®, we’ve honestly gotten the best preparation. We’ve learned from the best so chefs teachers and staff thank you. You worked hard day after day for the benefit of your student and for that we are grateful, and it does not go unnoticed. Thank you My time at the CULINARY INSTITUTE LENOTRE® has honestly been an amazing experience. When I first thought of doing Culinary School, I did not imagine that I would get the education and training that I received here. I thought we’d just walk in the kitchen and cook but it was more than that. At LENOTRE® we truly got to connect with the teachers and chefs and got to experience the passion they have for their career. It has been an honor. Plus i’m really going to miss hearing the chefs speaking in french even although I did not understand most of what they were saying I want to encourage any future chefs out here to pursue your goal and I highly recommended this school. It truly is the best in what it has to offer. And now as far as my personal journey I want to thank God letting me finish this phase of my education, also thanks to my mother, father, rest of my family and my friends for all the prayer, support and encouragement. And finally, again, to the staff, chefs and teachers. thank you for everything. This will be and experience that will stick by me for the rest of my life. Thank You