Help Lydia Continue Her Culinary Education

Hello! My name is Lydia Martinez and I am currently in my 1st semester, about to be in my 2nd, at the Culinary Institute of America. I come from a single-parent household and I'm the first to attend college. I've had help from family friends, but other than that, everything is on my own. As I'm sure you know, money isn't easy, let alone talked about much, but I am really struggling to come up with my funding for next semester.

So far, being here these past 2 months has been everything I expected. There's nothing I love more than my campus and I couldn't be happier to call this place my home. I really want to continue to further my education here at the CIA. I want to open an American-Mexican Grill in Erie, Pennsylvania one day. With my restaurant, I want to build an environment where my customers feel welcomed and appreciated. I would also love to teach others at my own expense one day. I don't want others to feel how I feel with the burden of finding funding.

With all this being said, I really appreciate everyone who's been with me during this journey and everyone who continues to help. Thank you!