Student Found Passion and Purpose Through Culinary Program by Cayleigh Choy
For Flávio Farias Filho, a senior, joining the culinary program wasn’t just about learning to cook, it was a step toward a lifelong career in the food industry. With plans to pursue a future in hospitality, the decision was also deeply personal. “My father had been a restaurant owner in the past too, and that really inspired me to follow a similar path,” said Farias. During his time in the program, he gained the skills and discipline required to thrive in a professional kitchen.
Each day in class brought a new challenge, from prepping for school-wide catering events to cooking meals that represented global flavors. Farias recalled the joy of learning various cuisines, highlighting chicken parmesan as a personal favorite,made entirely from scratch, including the butchering and prepping of the chicken by the students themselves. “It was amazing to see what we could create when we put in the work,” said Farias.
Food safety and hygiene were also central components of the program. Students were trained to follow FDA procedures, ensuring everything from kitchen sanitation to proper food handling. “We checked temperatures, monitored pH levels in our sanitizers, and kept everything in line with health standards,” said Farias. This attention to detail helped reinforce the responsibility that came with serving food to others.
Beyond kitchen skills, the program taught Farias valuable life lessons. Time management, organization, and a commitment to excellence became second nature. “Culinary taught me the importance of diligence in both cooking and keeping a clean, safe workspace,” he said. With this strong foundation, Farias felt confident and excited to carry those lessons into a future career in the food industry.