| William Nardi
Southington, CT
AOS Culinary Arts, July 2007
San Pellegrino Expendable Scholarship Fund
"My inspiration in pursuing a career in the culinary arts
was my father," said 20-year-old William Nardi. "He was a self-trained chef and
owned a small Italian restaurant in our hometown. His passion and dedication
for his art inspired me to strive to love my chosen profession. Without his
powerful example, I could not be half the person I am today."
William started as a busboy and became a waiter and a cook
at the restaurant. He also had the job of cleaning the entire restaurant every
weekend morning from freshmen year of high school through his first year of
college. "Being a waiter opened a huge door that gave me my passion for dining
room service, but cleaning the restaurant humbled me and made me realize that
no job is less important then any other, and that everything must be in perfect
order to make the dining experience phenomenal."
That family business was recently sold because of his
father's health concerns. The news of the scholarship could not have come at a
better time. "The happiness and relief that this has given to my parents and me
cannot be expressed. This scholarship has lightened a burden that has been on
my family, and it allows me to concentrate on my work."
An Externship allowing him to work with specials and almost
every station on the line at Max Downtown Restaurant in Hartford,
Connecticut provided William with more
first-hand restaurant experience. He has also gained valuable experience
working 24 hours a week at the CIA campus in the Colavita Restaurant.
William's professional goals include working as a chef in
fine dining restaurants and cruise ships, and eventually transferring to the front
of the house.
On the personal level, "I hope someday to have a family and
be able to travel and show my children all the good things this world has to
offer," said William.
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