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Help Liz Get To Pastry School

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Liz's Pastry Portfolio

Like everything in my life so far, it has been a journey and an exciting adventure trying to figure out my true passions, and, what "I want to do when I grow up".

Thinking about my future, I’ve always known that would like to do something that would tie together many of the incredible experiences that I've had so far in my life. I’d also like to satisfy my desire to experiment and discover, as well as to put my unquenchable creativity to use. For me, the answer that meets all of these is to study further to become a Pastry Chef.

I’ve finally figured it out, but now I will need some help!

Here’s a little about me: I was born in Australia to two extremely nomadic parents who have devoted their lives to travelling, building communities, and starting new things. They are certified aid workers, missionaries, entrepreneurs, and above all; artists. My parents showed me the world, and raised five kids on several continents, and in many exciting places; by the time I was 18, I had been to over 30 countries. While money was often short, it constantly challenged me to think of new and creative ways to live on less.

When I was 14 years old, I officially decided to be a Chef, I feel like it was always in my blood. Even as early as 4, I loved experiencing differences in foods; the sourness of a lemon, the saltiness of peanut butter, the smells that changed every time I walked into a kitchen. I would stand by my mum’s side on tiptoes watching her cook until I was old enough to crack eggs, pour milk, and really help out. Throughout my entire life, every festival, camp, or large gathering that I’ve been to--which have been a good plenty—I always seemed to end up behind the scenes in the kitchen. I feel comfortable and at home in the kitchen, and I’ve always stayed as long as I could to help the cooks make and serve food. Often, I had my small ideas to contribute: vanilla here, cinnamon in there might be nice, and I’ve always felt joy overflowing simply putting ingredients together.

I’ve worked in kitchens now for over 6 years; dishwasher 3 times during those years before I was given a chance to cook. I’ve learned a lot from working from the bottom up, and the most important thing is that I am 100% confident that I do not want to be in any other field! I’ve been able to scope out my perfect job as a Pastry Chef by watching, researching and creating-- molding chocolates, building cakes, candying rose petals, and attempting amazing pastries. There are a lot of technical skills that I still need to learn, but I’ve been fortunate enough to find a school in Portland, OR that I’m excited about and which offers everything that I’ll need to begin my new career.

I've been working quite hard since living in the states to save money for school, and have made it a personal challenge to learn how to navigate the process of applying for scholarships and grants--which, by the way, is not easy considering I've spent most of my life outside of the US, in a very different system! A daunting task, but I did it!!
I've raised over half of the money on my own, but, I'm still a little short.

We are trying to raise $10,000 to cover school costs and supplies. ANY help that you can give me will be really appreciated!

I'm so excited about this next chapter of my life!!
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Donations 

  • Matt Haines
    • $100 
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Elizabeth Jones
Organizer
Portland, OR
Elizabeth Jones
Beneficiary

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