Help Me Take the Next Step Toward My Culinary Dream
Hi, my name is Samaya, and I’m 17 years old.
I’ve always believed that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you finish.
Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to build a future for myself through leadership, discipline, and a deep passion for culinary arts. I currently serve as Vice President of the Future Farmers of America (for the past two years) and President and District Officer of SkillsUSA. Through The World Food Championship, I have competed in culinary arts — and what started as my very first competition turned into something bigger than I ever imagined.
Since I have started competing at various competitions I have placed:
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🥇 1st in my very first competition
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🥇 1st at Districts, state bound
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🥇 1st at World Food Championship Semifinals
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🌎 6th in the World at World Food Championship Finals
Each step required early mornings, long practices, focus, and sacrifice — but I love what I do. Cooking isn’t just food to me. It’s creativity, discipline, and connection. It’s how I express myself. Its a deep part of my cultural roots too.
Recently, I was accepted into the Culinary Institute of America in New York — one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world. Being accepted felt like a dream becoming real.
I was awarded $40,000 in scholarships, which I am incredibly grateful for. However, even with those scholarships, I still need approximately $10,000 to cover my first semester and about $17,000 total for my first year.
I was raised by my dad as a single parent for many years. While my path hasn’t always been easy, it has shaped me. It has taught me grit, resilience, and how to stay focused even when life feels uncertain. I don’t see challenges as excuses — I see them as motivation.
I am asking for help not because I expect something to be handed to me, but because I am committed to doing everything I can to build this future — and sometimes even the hardest workers need support to cross the finish line.
Every donation, no matter the size, moves me one step closer to standing in those kitchens in New York, learning from the best, and continuing to grow into the chef I know I can become.
If you can’t give, sharing this means just as much.
Thank you for believing in me and investing in my dream.
— Samaya
