photo by steed media service

The desire to become a first-class baker simmers quietly beneath the surface of Shwanna Robinson’s vivacious exterior. With vivid visions of owning a bakery and soul food restaurant dancing before Robinson’s eyes, the Chicago native enrolled in the Washburne Culinary Institute at the newly constructed Kennedy-King College. Here, Robinson is getting equipped with the tools to pursue her aspirations.

“The school is actually great. I love it,” says the married mother of two boys, ages 13 and 16. “This school was affordable and it wasn’t so far from where I live.”

Robinson’s love of cooking has been broiling on her brain since she was just a decade old, and has now blossomed into a five-star circle of dreams, which includes cake sculpting and hosting her own show on the “Food Network.”

“I want to own a home-style, family restaurant. I want soul food on the other side. And I want a sit-[down] restaurant, where everybody comes in and feels comfortable, a nice environment, a home away from home,” Robinson gushes, her eyes aglow with anxious anticipation.

With the institute’s scientific examination of foods, ingredients, their properties and many purposes, Robinson knows it’s only a matter of time before her dreams come to fruition.

“I wouldn’t change [my experience at this school] for the world. It’s been really good,” she says before adding some advice for prospective students. “You have to love it. If you don’t love it, you should retire.” – terry shropshire

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