My Story:

My family is in the restaurant business so I’ve always been around restaurants, but I wanted to establish myself as a chef on my own.

My Internship Experience:

I’ve been working at The Smokehouse in Sanford as a line cook for over a year – grilling, frying and smoking meats, prepping food, doing purchases and inventory. It’s taught me a lot about working in the field – thinking on the spot and just learning new things and having to communicate with people.

How It’s Paying Off:

I feel more prepared for life after graduation – an internship helps open your eyes to what’s going on in the field because if you’re just going to school, you don’t really get to see what it’s like to be in the kitchen.

My Advice:

Intern somewhere you could see yourself ending up, not just anywhere you find a job. Make sure you can see yourself there in the future.

My Future:

I’m not sure what I want to do after I graduate. Maybe I’ll work as a chef on a cruise ship or in a hotel. Ideally, I’d really like to be a celebrity chef with my own TV show. So keep an eye out for me on the Food Network!