I am moving to ITALY!!!!!!!

The excitement is hard to contain. I want to jump on every rooftop in Miami and shout that I have made my dream come true: I’m moving to ITALY!!!!

Against all odds and adversity, I have accomplished my biggest goal yet. I will be getting a master’s degree in gastronomy from the University of Gastronomic Sciences, an institution wholly dedicated to all things food!

When I left my job as a journalist three years ago, I never envisioned any of what was to come. All I knew is that I wanted to be a chef. I loved writing but I loved food even more. I thought, why not go back to school and learn everything I can about food? This way I’ll be the best chef and the best food writer.

Some people thought I was crazy when I packed up all my stuff and moved from New Jersey to Florida. I left my friends, my family, and everything I owned. I moved to South Florida without knowing a single person. Little did I know what I was getting myself into…

I have spent the last three years sculpting myself in the kitchen. I’ve endured countless hours on my feet, ignoring my achy heels, while focusing on plating beautiful food. I’ve been yelled at, frustrated, and belittled. But nothing has kept me from following my heart.

For the past month I have worked 12 to 14 hour days, six days a week. I have missed birthdays and holidays. I haven’t responded to text messages, voicemails or emails. My relationships have been affected. All because I’ve been in the kitchen putting forth the best dishes my hands can create.

I have physically exhausted myself to the point where an entire month of massages wouldn’t be enough to get my back into shape.

But you know what? It’s all worth it because it has paved the way for the sweetest fruit my labor…

Italy, here I come!!!!!!!!!