Heirloom Hospitality Group Culinary Scholarship recipient expresses her thanks
At Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, students receive excellent education. Their culinary program is renowned for excellence, and we are happy to support the program and its students. Through the A-B Tech foundation, the Heirloom Hospitality Group Culinary Scholarship provides an aspiring female chef with an annual scholarship.
From A-B Tech’s College Advancement newsletter:
The 2015 recipient, Christina Granillo, worked at Cúrate to fulfill her internship for the program. Her letter of thanks, below, really sums up why she is such a deserving recipient – her work ethic, great attitude, and willingness to learn and grow through experience.
Dear Ms. Liz and Ms. Katie Button:
It is hard for me to fully express my gratitude for receiving the Heirloom Hospitality Group Culinary Scholarship again this year. I feel as though all of my efforts and hard work are validated through such an honor. Because of your generosity, the cost of receiving this first-class education won’t be such a strain on me this year. This scholarship is especially important to me now that I am an intern at Curate. I feel honored to work there each day I clock in, and knowing that I work for such giving people makes me even more proud. My first year in the culinary program at AB Tech has been a very rewarding challenge, and I have to say that so far my internship has been even more so.
I honestly believe that during my one month interning at Curate and my first year at AB Tech, I have learned more than I have in a very long time doing anything else. I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into in the beginning, but it has been wonderful to learn as much as I have about the industry and about myself. I have always second guessed myself in everything I do. I was completely terrified when I staged at Curate, and even more so my first day showing up for my internship. Having never been in a professional kitchen before, the first few weeks challenged me more than I have ever been challenged in my life, both mentally and physically. There were times where I wondered if I could actually do it. I had no option but to take in everything and push myself harder. A month later, I feel like a better human being knowing that I can do it. I have learned to love the challenge. The lessons I have been taught in school and at my internship in true integrity, pride, cleanliness, and efficiency have been life-changing, and this is only the first year! I cannot wait to see how much I have gown as a student and cook a year from now. Because of your generosity and belief in me, this dream of mine is actually coming true. For that, I am so very grateful.
Christina, left, at work in Cúrate’s open kitchen. Photo by instagram user @masonplusdixon
I realize how fortunate I am to have to have this opportunity. I wanted to thank you so much for seeing potential in me. I am a better student and person because of it. I hope one day to be in a position to do the same for a student with a dream and a love for food and cooking. I know that with my education at AB Tech and my internship at Curate, I am on the right path to reaching all of my goals. I could not ask for a better place to work or a better group to work for. I am truly thankful.
We are so proud of Christina’s achievements thus far in her scholarly and professional career.
