PAIGE JIMENEZ CULINARY SCHOOL
Donation protected
Cooking has always been a constant passion in my life. I spent my childhood days reading cookbooks, trying new recipes, and forcing my stepfather to film me doing cooking shows. I cooked at every opportunity I had. When I was just seventeen, I auditioned for the show Masterchef. Although I was unsure of my abilities, I followed my heart in the hopes that my passion for cooking and creating would speak for itself. After months of trials, interviews, and tests, I made it onto the show.
Masterchef tested my abilities in every way imaginable. Being surrounded by chefs who were much older and wiser than me further forced me to establish my own voice in the cooking industry. Although I only made it to the top 19, Masterchef made me realize that cooking was something that would always be present in my heart.
A year after filming the show, and I am still cooking and creating as much as possible. Two months ago, I decided to apply to go to culinary school. I realized how much my life lacked in passion. For the first time in awhile, I was unhappy and felt a lack of purpose. Nothing in my life challenged me. After applying for scholarships on scholarships, I got accepted into the International Culinary Center with a $10,000 scholarship based on an essay I wrote about my passion for cooking. Only one student receives this scholarship every program. Along with that scholarship and a letter from Chef Christina Tosi, I've been awarded twelve thousand dollars to fulfill my dreams.
Although I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity I've been given, I still have to come up with another $12,000 to cover the cost of my school. I support myself fully from modeling. I pay for my rent, all travel costs, groceries, most medical bills, and all of my regular "adult" bills. $12,000 is still a lot for a nineteen year old model. My mother is in between jobs and unable to assist me. My father passed away when I was fourteen. In addition to this, it's extremely difficult to receive a loan for culinary school, as it's recognized as a trade school by most major student loan organizations.
My program starts at the end of November. It's on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings so I'm able to work during the day to continue to support myself. It lasts nine months. If I don't secure my spot in the program, my scholarship will go to someone else.
ANYTHING you can give will be unbelievably appreciated. I wouldn't be asking if I had not explored every other option fully. Thank you all for believing in me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfJije7NyH8
Masterchef tested my abilities in every way imaginable. Being surrounded by chefs who were much older and wiser than me further forced me to establish my own voice in the cooking industry. Although I only made it to the top 19, Masterchef made me realize that cooking was something that would always be present in my heart.
A year after filming the show, and I am still cooking and creating as much as possible. Two months ago, I decided to apply to go to culinary school. I realized how much my life lacked in passion. For the first time in awhile, I was unhappy and felt a lack of purpose. Nothing in my life challenged me. After applying for scholarships on scholarships, I got accepted into the International Culinary Center with a $10,000 scholarship based on an essay I wrote about my passion for cooking. Only one student receives this scholarship every program. Along with that scholarship and a letter from Chef Christina Tosi, I've been awarded twelve thousand dollars to fulfill my dreams.
Although I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity I've been given, I still have to come up with another $12,000 to cover the cost of my school. I support myself fully from modeling. I pay for my rent, all travel costs, groceries, most medical bills, and all of my regular "adult" bills. $12,000 is still a lot for a nineteen year old model. My mother is in between jobs and unable to assist me. My father passed away when I was fourteen. In addition to this, it's extremely difficult to receive a loan for culinary school, as it's recognized as a trade school by most major student loan organizations.
My program starts at the end of November. It's on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings so I'm able to work during the day to continue to support myself. It lasts nine months. If I don't secure my spot in the program, my scholarship will go to someone else.
ANYTHING you can give will be unbelievably appreciated. I wouldn't be asking if I had not explored every other option fully. Thank you all for believing in me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfJije7NyH8
Organizer and beneficiary
Paige Jimenez
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY
Delores June Muse
Beneficiary
