Jesus joined the Sprouts Chef Training program in the Berkeley Kitchen with a longtime passion for cooking and a determination to turn that passion into a future career. Introduced to the program by a teacher who believed in him, Jesus came in with years of personal cooking experience, from preparing food for family reunions to cooking daily meals for his younger siblings and recently exploring baking. 

‍

During his internship, he embraced the professional kitchen environment, learning from everyone around him, gaining experience in allergy-friendly preparation, adapting to busy service rushes, and practicing consistency while still seeking out opportunities to observe other stations and expand his skills. Over time, his multitasking, time management, and attention to detail grew significantly, and he progressed from shadowing to confidently managing his own workspace.

‍

The program was also an important step in Jesus’s personal journey. Having navigated depression, school disruption, family separation, and past abuse, he entered the kitchen feeling anxious and unsure of himself. Throughout his time at Berkeley, he slowly came out of his shell, built confidence, and learned to take direction while trusting his abilities. Sprouts provided a supportive environment, structure, mentorship, and community, helping him regain belief in himself while his aunt continued to be a powerful source of encouragement. 

‍

Jesus leaves the program proud of his growth and excited for what comes next. He hopes to continue pursuing culinary after school, especially in a setting that offers more creative freedom, and he remains motivated to keep learning, improving, and building a strong future for himself.

‍