A Family-Inspired Journey
At just 18, Athena is already pursuing her passion for cooking, a love that was nurtured by her family. Having recently graduated from Yap High School, Athena grew up in a family where cooking was a shared joy, sparking her interest in culinary arts.
Her father and uncle, in particular, played a big role in teaching her the different ways to prepare local and western dishes. “I find cooking fun because it allows me to explore new things and create my own recipes,” Athena shared. She added, “In Yap, we have so many ways to cook healthy, local food, and I enjoy putting my own twist on traditional cuisine.”
Gaining Experience Through Job Shadowing
During her senior year at Yap High School, she joined a job shadowing program through the Upper Bound program. This opportunity allowed her to spend time at Manta Ray Bay Resort, a small luxury hotel on the island.
For nearly a year, Athena participated in the program, where she gained hands-on experience working in varius roles – from cleaning and working at the reception desk to assisting in the kitchen. This experience fueled her passion for the culinary arts and gave her valuable insight into the hospitality industry.
Hard Work and Dedication in the Kitchen
In the kitchen, Athena works with a team of 2-3 colleagues. While she sometimes finds the job demanding – especially due to the heat and the need to collaborate closely with others – her love for cooking keeps her motivated. During her job shadowing program, her usual shift was from 4pm to 6pm. However, eager to learn every aspect of the kitchen, Athena asked her manager if she could extend her shift until closing time, which was around 10 or 11pm. This gave her the opportunity to observe the entire process from start to finish, accelerating her learning.
Even on days when she didn’t have a shift, Athena would still come in to observe her mentors at work, eager to apply what she learned the next day. Her commitment and dedication are what drive her continuous growth in the culinary field. Upon completing the program, her hard work paid off, and she was offered a job at the hotel.
A Bright Future Ahead
This young, passionate chef plans to continue her education in culinary arts starting next January. When asked why she chose to work first instead of going to college right away, she explained, “I wanted to gain more hands-on experience before going to college. If I have the knowledge and skills for the field I want to study, this will help me learn more effectively in college.”
After completing her associate degree in culinary arts, Athena plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business. Her long-term goal circles back to her dream of opening her own restaurant in Yap. “Cooking brings my family together. I want to bring my community together through my dream business here in Yap one day,” Athena said with excitement.
Athena also encourages other students to be proactive in their career search and take advantage of training programs offered by their schools. “A lot of times, my friends and I didn’t really know what ‘being professional’meant. Having the chance to gain real-world experience prepared me to do my job properly, rather than just dreaming about it.”
A Role Model for Aspiring Chefs
Athena’s story serves as a reminder that exposure to the workplace early on, through programs like job shadowing or apprenticeship, can offer invaluable lessons that cannot always be gained in a classroom setting. By embracing these opportunities, Athena has laid a strong foundation for her culinary dreams, proving that practical experience is just as crucial as formal education in achieving career success.
