Help Tehlias Cook Up a Brighter Future

Help Tehlias Follow His Culinary Dream

Hi, my name is Tehlias, and I’m raising funds to attend culinary school—something I’ve dreamed of for years. Cooking has become my language, my purpose, and my passion. It’s how I learn, how I connect, and how I imagine building a meaningful life.

I’ve always been a hands-on learner, someone who thinks and works outside the box. After graduating high school in a small rural town, I took a gap year and worked full-time in a traditional Japanese restaurant. I was fascinated by the precision, the discipline, and the stories behind the food—and taught myself Japanese just to better understand the culture and my coworkers.

Because of the high cost of culinary school, I took a second year to keep working—this time in a vibrant Latin Fusion/American kitchen in Berkeley, where I moved on my own to challenge myself and grow. There, I fell in love with the rhythm of the kitchen, the creativity, and the connection food creates between people. I’ve now also taught myself Spanish, so I can better communicate and be part of that community, too.

Throughout this journey, one thing has never changed: when people ask me, “If money weren’t an issue, would you go to culinary school?”—the answer is always yes.

I’ve worked hard, applied for financial aid, and submitted over 25 scholarship applications. Despite all that, I’m still facing a $14,280 tuition bill for this upcoming semester. I’m doing everything I can to make this dream possible—and now I’m asking for your help.

If you believe in supporting young people who work hard, adapt, and strive to build a future with purpose, please consider helping me bridge this gap. Every contribution, big or small, brings me one step closer to doing what I love for the rest of my life: cooking food that brings people together.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting my journey.

With gratitude,

Tehlias