My name is Aristo Sanunga; I am a rising 10th grader in North Side Charter High School. Last month, I was accepted to be part of a program named Wishbone and I attended the International Culinary Center. This has been an amazing experience for me, and there is no doubt that I want to be become an international chef and hope one day to own a restaurant under my name.

On the first day, I was so nervous like it was the first day of school, but as soon as I walked in, the students and faculty made me feel at ease. I was given my chef uniform, my own name tag, along with the cookbook and a complete set of culinary tools kit. I was so excited and eager to start cooking. The class was taught by Chef Guido Magnaguagno or Chef Guido as he preferred us to call him. In class, the students were teamed up to create dishes together; this was called teamwork. Chef Guido taught the basic of culinary arts, such as the bacteria roaming around the meat and vegetables, how to properly use a knife, how to dice the vegetables and meat such as chicken and fish. One of my favorite dishes that I made was Chicken Viennoise.

While cooking, I did cut myself but I didn’t mind, that’s the way we learn. In class, we had the pleasure of cooking with Curtis Granderson, this was the highlight of my day. I made new friends, learned new recipes and experienced the arts of culinary. Every day, I looked forward to class and it was the first time I felt like I was closer to my dream. I know there is a lot for me to learn but I’m willing to learn because we all have to start somewhere. Everything I learned in class, I incorporated it at home when I cooked and I felt proud of myself.
On the last day of the program, the students were invited to Citi Field for a baseball game and to meet the Mets mascot, Mr. Met! This was an awesome day.

This experience made me realize that I must work hard for the things I want and there are amazing people who believe in me and in my dream, especially my parents. I am cooking up my dream and this was an experience I will never forget. I am forever thankful to Wishbone and the people who sponsored me so I could participate in this program.

Thank you all very much

The program I chose to attend is the Culinary Cooking Camp for teens at the International Culinary Center. This program stood out to me the most because I want to become a culinary chef. When I read about the program, I was so excited to enroll because I would hear these kinds of programs being offered to kids or adults but this one is actually for teens. Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone around my age that enjoys cooking so being part of this program will let me socialize with people who share my same interest. For a long time, I’ve enjoyed cooking. I would look up recipes from cookbooks or shows and make it myself. Sometimes, I would mix herbs and spices and give my platters a different taste than the usual. When I told my parents that I wanted to learn how to cook, they found it surprising but encouraged me to follow my dream. I look forward to this experience because I will be learning and cooking with people around my age and connect with them. I’m sure there is a lot I need to learn but I am more than ready and willing to learn. I cook at home but it isn’t the same plus I think this program will give me the credential, confidence and connection to pursue my dream.

There is one chef who I look up the most and that is Gordon Ramsay; he is tough when it comes to food and doesn’t settle for less. I am eager to begin the program and learn as much as I can and from what I learn I will take with me and pursue my dream. I know it will take me a while but good things come to those who work hard. My dream is to become a culinary chef and open my own restaurant. Dreams start small and this is the way I’m starting mine. No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.