Culinary Spotlight: Aniqua Jolly

August 19, 2024

By Haasini Potluri, Bank of America Student Leader

The Culinary Program has allowed Aniqua Jolly to take a second chance—a second chance on herself to pursue her passion of cooking. As Aniqua reflects on how she discovered her place in the kitchen, she nostalgically recollects her previous hatred for all things cooking.

“Growing up, I always told my dad I’m never going to learn how to cook. I didn’t care about cooking,” she shares. “I didn’t care because I didn’t want to be a housewife.”

And yet, during the pandemic, Aniqua began to watch cooking shows and wanted to put her own cooking prowess to the test. “I watched these shows, and I thought to myself that I could do this too,” she says.

Since then, Aniqua has discovered her love of all things food, as she finds genuine satisfaction in the culinary experience and enjoys every moment in the kitchen. This passion for food soon became coupled with a need for control over her family’s diet, as soon after the pandemic her son became diagnosed with pre-diabetes. For her, the choice was clear, she had to cook, “We couldn’t keep eating out. At least if I cook at home, I know exactly what’s going on.” She made this choice, and she never looked back. And so, the next step of her journey was to become formally trained. 

Aniqua looked for local programs, initially unaware of the Food Bank’s offerings. She searched for opportunities throughout the state and was even interested in one at a local college. The catch, however, was that she would not be offered financial aid and would’ve had to cover all costs out of pocket. Fortunately, the recruitment officer at this college (perhaps in a twist of fate)  told her about the Food Bank’s Culinary School—a fourteen week program, completely cost-free, that would allow her to gain hands-on experience. It was the right opportunity and the right time, so Aniqua became a student. 

Now, just days away from graduation, Aniqua says, “The people here are family.” She’s kindled a strong connection with her classmates and their teacher, Chef James. “A lot of days where I just don’t want to get out of bed, but I know I’m going to come here, I just remind myself that I’ll be good and have fun.” The program has encouraged her to challenge herself to pursue something that means so much to her. She appreciates all of the skills that she has gained and hopes to redefine her future. In the past, she felt like she had to push her passions aside, but now, she’s ready to do things for herself: “I don’t need to have a career just to survive. I’m living now.”

To anyone who wants to go to culinary school, Aniqua offers optimistic advice that is true to her own story: “I know it’s cliché, but everything will work out.”

Passionate, disciplined, and willing to take on a new career, Aniqua is ready to fulfill her love for food and be her authentic self.

To learn more about the Culinary School  program or to apply, visit https://www.fbd.org/the-culinary-school/.