Westmoreland’s Culinary Arts Program Opens a World of Appetizing Opportunities
October 11, 2024When Rose Gonzalez was exposed to the world of culinary arts at Lebanon County Career and Technology Center, she knew she had found her life’s passion.
“I found this field to be very special and something way more important than many people think,” Gonzalez said.
It was there that Gonzalez learned how far a career in the culinary arts can take her. She discovered endless options where she can travel the world, work in big corporations or small businesses and go anywhere to make her dream a reality.
“I discovered Westmoreland County Community College through my Lebanon County CTC instructors,” she said. “I decided to enroll after doing some research and I liked the numerous opportunities the apprenticeship program can offer.”
Gonzalez is currently enrolled in the Culinary Arts Apprenticeship program at Westmoreland to earn her associate degree. She is completing an apprenticeship at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, which includes 4,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training that provides her with hands-on experience.
“My apprenticeship at Nemacolin has taught me so many amazing things and given me opportunities I would never imagine,” she said. “Throughout the summer we held many big events but the most memorable for me had to be our Summer Solstice event.”
During that event, she had the honor and privilege to work alongside world-renowned Chef Jean George and his team. She exuberantly declared that the food at the event was “unimaginable.” And, as a perk while working the event, she had the opportunity to watch Lady Gaga perform.
Gonzalez describes herself as a very driven person and finds it “very important to set goals to obtain greatness.” She was awarded a scholarship from the honorable order of the “Golden Toque,” one of the most prestigious chef societies in the world.
“It was a true honor to be recognized and celebrated by them,” she said.
Chef Scott Schmucker, associate professor of Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs at Westmoreland, said that from day one at Westmoreland, Rose brought energy, enthusiasm and dedication to her personal success to the classroom.
“As is expected with any student and/or future chef, Rose always puts the education and refinement of her culinary skills first,” said Schmucker. “She has been a great asset to all of her instructors and her classmates. She’s a hard-working, capable and personable young woman. Her combination of intelligence, commitment, creativity and compassionate character will certainly make her a valuable member of any culinary team.”
Gonzalez said that she has enjoyed the program and feels it is important to have teachers and instructors who care, which she has found to be true at Westmoreland.
“My current career goal is to become employed as a sous chef before the age of 22. I think this goal is realistic and attainable if I continue this path and hone my skills every day,” Gonzalez said.
"Rose is a great example of the young culinarians that will drive this industry forward,” said Chef William Racin, assistant professor of Culinary Arts & Hospitality programs at Westmoreland.
Racin continued to say that she exhibits positive leadership traits and the passion necessary to be successful in this industry and has the ability to adapt to change and make adjustments as needed.
“I’ve always said that compassion, leadership and perseverance are the key traits to being great and she displays these on a daily basis,” he said. “It’s an honor to have her at Westmoreland County Community College and we’re all excited to be a part of Rose's journey."
Gonzalez concluded by saying that Westmoreland’s Culinary Arts program can provide students with many great opportunities by connecting them with the American Culinary Federation, which can be “very useful for networking, testing and all kinds of things to boost a career.”
Her advice for future students?
“Take risks,” she said. “Don’t be afraid of trying something new or getting out of your comfort zone, because I’ve found that when you do that, you will truly find yourself and your calling.”