by Heidi Hackman & Colleen McNamee, District Career Coordinators, SD 63 | photo by Kathryn Alvarez Photography –
Sumiko Chan is on her way to enjoying a successful career in the culinary world, and it all started by taking a foods class in her ninth-grade year at Parkland Secondary. For someone who never had a favourite class and didn’t really enjoy school, Sumiko said that taking this class was “a real game changer” for her. After spending time “in a professional style kitchen, I just fell in love,” she says. She went on to take cafeteria classes in Grade 10 and from that moment on she was hooked. Sumiko did everything she could to spend as much time in the kitchen as she could to discover her future career path.
Colleen McNamee, the career teacher at Parkland, was quick to recognize Sumiko’s interests and told her about the dual credit culinary program at Camosun College. This program allows students to earn high school credit while earning their professional cook Level 1 credential. Sumiko loved the idea and the program. She will be able to earn credit for graduation while doing something she is motivated and passionate about.
In her own words, Sumiko shared that although she was motivated she found the program very challenging but also very rewarding. “I learned a lot about myself and how I learn. It was very intense for me adjusting from a high school learning environment to a college level one.” She is also quick to add that “Chef Wendy and Chef Heidi along with all the instructors were huge supporters and of course Ben Haber the SIP student advocate at Camosun.”
The program not only enhanced Sumiko’s culinary skills but “also interpersonal skills like effective communication and emotional regulation. Learning how and when to speak up and how to communicate your needs to an employer was one of my biggest takeaways other than my practical skills.” The growth in Sumiko’s confidence was evident in her willingness to participate in the Skills Canada competition where she placed second!
Sumiko’s mom is so happy that her daughter completed the program as it “gave Sumiko an opportunity for completing her first year apprenticeship, thus preparing her for working in the culinary field before and upon graduating high school. The dual credit program will provide her a head start and enable her to access better paid employment and exciting opportunities like working abroad.
“This program gives kids a chance to learn in a more hands-on, practical way. I think it’s a great alternative for kids to excel in education and am thankful these programs exist. It’s nice to see creative ways to help kids enter into the next phase of their lives. I’m very proud of Sumiko’s accomplishments and am excited to see what the future holds for her! And, of course, having a chef at home has been a real added bonus.”
When the culinary program ended in December, Sumiko didn’t want to wait until February to start her English 12 that she needed for graduation. Instead, she enrolled at ILC-Saanichton and graduated this June, winning many scholarship and awards to help her reach her goals of becoming a Red Seal Chef! We are so proud of Sumiko and are excited for her future.
