A Transformative Journey: From Apprentice Chef to Culinary Artisan

Describe one positive change you have made in your life.

There are countless positive changes we can make in our lives, and each one has the potential to reshape our path in profound ways. One such change I made was deciding to work as an apprentice chef at a traditional hotel after graduating high school. This experience, though challenging at times, ultimately led me on a journey from Japan to Canada.

When I began my apprenticeship, I was in a new environment with no friends or access to the internet, leaving me with limited entertainment options. This, however, allowed me to fully immerse myself in my work. I spent my breaks and days off diligently studying how to fillet fish under the guidance of my seniors and by reading books on the subject.

In time, I found a mentor in the owner of a fish shop I frequented on my days off, and I began working there during my free time. Although the only compensation I received was breakfast and lunch, the experience proved invaluable. As I became more skilled, high-end Japanese and sushi restaurants that the fish shop supplied began to recognize my talent. Soon, I was called upon to assist at these establishments, and my responsibilities at the hotel grew as well.

One fateful morning, while driving to the fish shop, I had a traffic accident due to drowsiness from my busy schedule. Fortunately, the only damage was a punctured tire and a toppled trash can, with no injuries sustained. Taking this as a sign, I decided to focus on one job.

At that time, sushi was extremely popular in Japan, almost synonymous with Japanese cuisine. Coincidentally, I had been invited to work at a sushi restaurant that offered both meals and a salary. I seized the opportunity, leaving my job at the hotel to pursue a career in sushi.

This decision ultimately led me to obtain my chef’s license, travel the world, and secure immigration rights in Canada by working at a sushi restaurant there. I often wonder what my life would have been like if I hadn’t chosen the path of a chef, but I am grateful for the journey that has unfolded.

Thank you for reading this story about the transformative power of positive change. Who knows where life’s twists and turns will lead? The possibilities are as vast and fascinating as the world itself.