Inland Empire Job Corps Center student chef moving on to school in New York

Carmen Gomez has decided to take her culinary skills cross country.  The Inland Empire Job Corps Center student will soon begin studies at the Culinary Institute of America – travelling from San Bernardino, California to Hyde Park, New York.

The 21-year-old Gomez graduated from Inland Empire in April.  About that time she was also accepted into the prestigious New York school, located about 90 miles north of New York City.

“Ever since I was young, I’ve loved baking,” Gomez says.  “But I never thought it would be something I could do all my life.”

Carmen says she specializes in making a rich chocolate mousse cake, topped with raspberry glaze.

“I took the Job Corps program as far as I could,” Gomez added.  “I had a great teacher – Chef David Bowser.  He was my mentor and the one who gave me the extra push to apply to the Culinary Institute.”

Gomez spent 18 months studying at the Inland Empire Job Corps Center.  Eventually she hopes to work at a high-end hotel in New York.

“Being in the Job Corps helped me very much.  I was nervous to get there and move into a dorm because I had always been sheltered.  But everyone was so nice to me.  People there were so understanding.  I love them like my second family.

(Posted 6/10/07)

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