To say my mom is amazing would be an understatement. I feel as though everybody uses their mom as one of their inspirations because their mom is the person who lifts them up and supports them their whole life. With my mom, its so much more than that. My mom has spent her whole life growing; she never reached a point where she thought she had accomplished enough. She's overcome so much adversity within herself and her surroundings. My sweet mom came to this country as a baby in a family of eight children. When she was 13 she started working to help pay rent and start her savings. When she was 16 she graduated high school early and started attending college, while working as a paralegal. By the time she was the age I am now she had become the first and only person in her family to graduate college. Fast forward about 30 years and she is still excelling in her field. My mom holds a high up position in her company while balancing a board position for a non-profit organization. The organization advocates for equality for women in her industry and does seasonal charity events to help women and children who are less fortunate. Over the last few years I've watched my mom go through certain life challenges and overcome them gracefully. None of this ever looked easy. My mom did a lot of personal work on her mindset, emotional outlook on life, and her overall attitude. It amazes me how much she's grown in the later years of her life. The definition of a role model is someone to be looked up to and imitated. If I give my all like my mother has in her life I'm sure I'll excel in all aspects of my life.

 

 

"Do what you love and love what you do. Let that guide you through life, work, and relationships."

From the website of Chez Panisse:

​

"American pioneer of a culinary philosophy that maintains that cooking should be based on the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients that are produced sustainably and locally. She is a passionate advocate for a food economy that is “good, clean, and fair.” Over the course of nearly forty years, Chez Panisse has helped create a community of scores of local farmers and ranchers whose dedication to sustainable agriculture assures the restaurant a steady supply of fresh and pure ingredients."

​

As a young woman who plans on owning her own farm and growing all her own food I have very strong feelings about organic, sustainable local food. Even here in the Hudson Valley while at college I am constantly looking for farms where I can buy my produce and meat from because I try not to support big businesses like the nearby Stop & Shop. I understand that this isn't for all people but I like to support the farmers, the people that grow the food, rather than the people who buy it for dirt cheap and mark it up greatly for the consumer. I can only dream to own a successful business that will be completely sustainable and local. I will take this as far as making my own fruit purees, buying locally milled flours, etc. 

​

​

​

​

"Cooking and shopping for food brings rhythm and meaning to our lives."

I hope to inspire people one day the way these people inspire me.