Food

3 May 2025

🎓 From Dreams to Diplomas: My Journey Through College (With Pip by My Side)

I can hardly believe I’m sitting here, typing this out. After four incredible, challenging, unforgettable years, I’ve officially graduated from Johnson & Wales University with my Bachelor’s in Food and Beverage Entrepreneurship.

It feels surreal. The road to this moment was anything but easy, but it was also filled with laughter, learning, growth, and so much joy. I poured everything I had into this degree, and I loved every minute of it. The opportunities I had at JWU were beyond anything I could’ve imagined. From amazing classes and inspiring professors to hands-on experiences and new friendships, I truly feel I made the most of every moment.

But I didn’t do it alone.

By my side—every single step of the way—was my service dog, Pip. I’ve had Pip since he was just 11 weeks old, and he’s been my psychiatric service dog from the beginning. He’s not just a dog. He’s been my anchor, my motivator, and my best friend through every high and low of college life.

On April 19th, Pip turned 10 years old, and today, the day I graduated, also marked his last day on the job. After a decade of faithful service, he's officially retired—and he’ll be spoiled absolutely rotten for the rest of his life (as he deserves!). It’s emotional thinking about everything we’ve gone through together—how he’s been there for every lecture, every exam, every sleepless night, and every win.

Reflecting on this moment, I can’t help but think back to the little girl I once was. A small-town girl with big dreams—to bake, travel, and make something beautiful out of life. That girl faced some real challenges. I endured years of bullying and more than a few people telling me I wasn’t “college material.” There were days when those voices almost won—days when I believed them.

But today, I walked across that stage. I held my diploma in my hand. And for the first time, those doubts didn’t follow me. They melted away under the weight of pride, joy, and belief in myself.

This isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning.

In just a few short months, I’ll head to Japan to start a new adventure: teaching abroad. I’m beyond excited to dive into this next chapter and see where the road takes me. My passion for food and travel is stronger than ever, and I know even more incredible things are waiting for me.

So here’s to dreams that don’t die. To prove people wrong. To service dogs who save your life quietly, every day. And to anyone out there who feels like the world has counted them out—keep going. Your moment is coming.

Big News: I Got My TEFL Certification! 🌏📚✨

Hey everyone!

I’m so excited to share that as of today… I’m officially TEFL certified! 🎉 This is a massive step toward a dream I’ve been chasing for a long time, and I couldn't be happier to make it official finally.

For anyone wondering, TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It’s a certification that allows you to teach English in countries where it’s not the native language — like Japan, where I’ll be heading! The course covers everything from lesson planning and classroom management to grammar breakdowns, student engagement, and cultural sensitivity. It was challenging, but I learned much and feel way more confident about stepping into a classroom abroad.

Initially, I had planned to make the big move to Japan in October 2025. But sometimes, life has a way of reshuffling things. All the available spots for fall filled up faster than expected, so I’ve now been bumped to a Spring 2026 departure.

At first, I was disappointed. I’d mentally marked my calendar for fall and was ready to go. But after thinking about it, I realized this change might be a blessing in disguise. Spring is when the school year begins in Japan, so instead of arriving mid-year, I’ll get to start fresh with everyone else — new school, new students, new routines. It feels more natural and probably less chaotic than jumping into something already in motion.

People often ask me: Why Japan? Why are they out of all places?

The short version? I’ve always been drawn to Japanese culture — the deep-rooted traditions, the beauty in everyday simplicity, the language, and of course… the food. 🍱🍜🍣

As someone who went to school for culinary arts, I know that food isn’t just something I love — it’s a massive part of who I am. Japan has one of the world's most fascinating and diverse food cultures, and I want to experience it beyond just reading about it or watching videos online. I want to live it. I want to explore local markets, try regional specialties, understand the craft behind dishes like ramen or wagashi, and learn how food connects with Japanese culture, history, and daily life.

This journey isn’t just about teaching English — it’s also about personal growth, immersion, and discovery. I can’t wait to experience everything firsthand and take in every flavor, tradition, and story Japan offers.

Even though I’ve got a bit more time before I go, I’m just as excited — maybe even more now. Getting TEFL certified made everything feel real. There’s still a lot to do: final paperwork, placement details, visa stuff, and the emotional prep of moving across the world. But I’m ready. This has been a dream for years, and it’s finally taking shape.

Thank you to everyone cheering me on — your support means the world. I’ll keep sharing updates as things progress, and once I’m there, I hope you’ll stick around to follow along on this new adventure. Teaching, learning, growing, exploring — Japan, I’m coming for you. ❤️