My name is Jessica! When I was just 19 years old, I made the decision to attend nursing school at Conestoga, diving headfirst into a world unfamiliar to me. As I journeyed through my freshmen year, despite all the knowledge I was gaining, I couldn't shake off the lingering feeling of uncertainty about whether nursing was what I genuinely wanted as my career path. There were countless times during the late nights of studying that my mind would wander off to the memorable summer preceding my enrollment in nursing school. This was no ordinary summer, but rather one where I found myself working on a military base. The base itself instilled a sense of discipline and order in me, but it wasn't the working environment that led me to recall this period of time with such nostalgia. No, the actual reason my thoughts kept drifting off was much simpler - I had the liberty to cook there. Who would have thought that a temporary job as a cook at a military base would leave such a profound effect on me? Cooking was a hobby that I had loved and enjoyed, yet now it had become the best job I had ever had. The thrill of stirring up flavors, the pleasure of transforming raw ingredients to a delicious meal, and the fulfillment from getting paid for doing something I was passionate about was truly incredible. Since then, my professional life has taken me to work in an array of different places, from fast-food joints to more upscale, remarkable establishments. All these experiences in various roles have played a significant part in shaping me as a person, molding my work ethics, and enhancing my culinary skills. At times, I had been unsure of what I was doing or how the outcome would be, but I have learned that in most cases, following the recipe to the letter serves as a sound foundation to get things started. In my personal life, it's my little family that gives me the motivation to keep pursuing this passion. They adore my cooking, and the happiness reflected on their faces when they sample my dishes is priceless. Therefore, despite the occasional uncertainties and challenges, knowing that my family gets immense joy from my cooking is what truly motivates me to continue on this path.

Love to cook. I cook with love, and that's why it tastes so good. If you enjoy what you do, you will do it well. I went to nursing school, but it was not a good fit for me. This is my calling.