DJ interned at Ha Dough with Chef Ha, where he quickly brought his previous catering experience into a completely new kitchen environment. Inspired by watching his mom cook as a child and putting his own spin on the dishes she made, DJ joined Sprouts hoping to pursue culinary work and strengthen his kitchen skills. During his internship, he worked on making and measuring dough, preparing fillings, melting chocolate, and assisting customers.

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As the weeks went on, he grew more confident in his abilities and became comfortable working in a professional bakery setting. One of the biggest adjustments was learning from scratch, as much of his previous baking experience came from boxed mixes, but he embraced the challenge and continued improving each shift. Chef Ha recognized his dedication and reliability, noting that he was consistently on time and eager to learn. Through Sprouts, DJ gained hands on experience in a fast paced kitchen, strengthened his knife and preparation skills, and proved to himself that he could succeed despite significant personal hardships. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue building a future in the culinary field and expanding the skills he developed throughout the program.