Oscar joined Sprouts after discovering the program through his own research and was inspired by its mission of creating opportunities for young people who have faced challenges in their lives. His passion for cooking began at a young age while watching cooking shows, especially *Hell's Kitchen*, and he hoped the program would give him the foundation needed to pursue a future career in nutrition. As someone who describes himself as an overachiever with strong communication skills and attention to detail, Oscar was eager to learn as much as possible during his internship at Alamar Dominican Kitchen with Chef Juan.

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Oscar's experience at Alamar exceeded his expectations. While he initially thought he would spend most of his time doing prep work, he was excited to discover that he would also have opportunities to cook and serve customers. Throughout the internship, he worked closely with Chef Juan and Chef Mario, who provided guidance, encouragement, and positive reinforcement that helped him build confidence in the kitchen. Oscar sharpened his knife skills, learned how to prep a variety of ingredients, assisted with catering orders, and especially enjoyed peeling plantains, a task he looked forward to each shift. He also appreciated the supportive environment at Alamar, where mistakes became learning opportunities and every team member was willing to help him improve.

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When Oscar first started the program, he lacked confidence and was hesitant to ask questions. After being transferred to Alamar from another placement, he was unsure of himself and often tried to figure things out on his own. Over time, however, he became much more comfortable seeking guidance, communicating with his mentors, and trusting his abilities. One of his biggest accomplishments was overcoming his fear of using knives. By the end of the internship, he felt proud of how much his knife skills had improved and how confident he had become handling tasks that once intimidated him. He also adjusted to the physical demands of kitchen work, learning to stay focused and productive during long shifts on his feet.

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Oscar's journey has been shaped by significant personal challenges, including navigating a difficult citizenship process after returning to the United States and growing up without his father present. Through those experiences, he learned resilience and the importance of seeking support when needed. Sprouts provided him with a space to continue building those skills while gaining valuable professional experience. The program helped him grow not only as a cook but also as a more confident and independent young adult.

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When Oscar entered the program, his goal was to become a nutritionist and use culinary skills to support that career path. After spending time at Alamar and seeing professional chefs in action, his goals have expanded. While he remains interested in nutrition, he has also developed a strong interest in becoming a chef. Inspired by the work happening around him each day, Oscar hopes to continue exploring the culinary field and building on the skills he developed through Sprouts.