When Mary Fox started at KCKCC, all she knew was that she liked to cook, so she enrolled in the culinary arts program while she chose her career. She didn’t know it at the time, but she’d already found her career. She is now the head baker at Mr. D’s Donuts and assistant manager at Mr. D’s Coffee and one day hopes to own her own place.
“KCKCC had a huge impact on my life and my career. I found myself and what I wanted to while studying at KCKCC,” she said.
“While I was in the program, I realized that I would love the opportunity to open my own restaurant or bakery someday, so I went from there. I also met some amazing people who taught me many valuable lessons and gave me many learning experiences to look back on.”
While in the culinary arts program, Fox was a member of the SkillsUSA Baking Team as well as the National Technical Honors Society. In addition to culinary arts, she also completed her associates degree in business administration, so she could strengthen her business skills.
“Schools like KCKCC are important because they allow you to receive a quality education at an affordable price, while being surrounded by the support of a great community,” she said. “The closeness that is felt while learning at KCKCC allows for more flourishing potential in each of the students, which then pours out from their successes into the community.”
Fox is so grateful toward the people who have supported her on her journey that she is now giving back.
“I recently helped organize a 5K for the KCKCC Culinary program that was put on by my employer, Mr. D’s Donuts,” she said. “I can’t fully explain the joy that is achieved in knowing you are going to be helping someone just like yourself accomplish their goals. It is so important to recognize where you came from and give back, supporting the people and organizations that made your successes possible. To be able to contribute to someone else’s dreams and successes is so fulfilling.”
Originally published in the KCKCC's Newsletter Blue Devil Revel alumni newsletter Spring 2022.
Culinary, SkillsUSA, TEC
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