South Florida culinary arts teacher instills in her students essential life skills
Decadent pasta, a tossed salad and homemade bread – what a feast! Students at Ruth Owens Kruse Education Center are beaming with pride, having crafted the hearty meal from scratch.
"They enjoy taking their products home after they make it or eating it. I love to see them enjoy what they cook," culinary arts teacher Felicia Williams said.
Williams is not just teaching special education classes, she's instilling in her students essential life skills that will stay with them forever.
"I think that everyone deserves a chance. A lot of people think that special needs children won't make it and I don't think that's true. If they can do something that's hands on, they can handle it," Williams said.
The students in her class are thriving, each bringing their own unique flair to the kitchen.
"I like to make every single dessert. I like to make the variety. I make different types of cookies, like lemon cookies and strawberry cookies," student Keren Ramon said.
"It makes me feel good because I know that if they're not offered the opportunity to work in a business somewhere, I know that they can open up their own," Williams said.
Williams says it's incredibly rewarding when her students reach out to tell her about the positive impact she's had on their lives.
"I have a few students that I still keep in contact with and they let me know that they're working now, they're doing good. They started here when they were 10, 11 years old and they were labeled as this kid can't do this, this kid can't do that, but now one is driving a school bus, one is working construction," Williams said.
"She's like another mother to me," student Ashanty Stewart said.
After 32 years in education, Williams passion for teaching remains as vibrant as ever.
"I enjoy every moment of it," Williams said.
With her heart full of compassion, she looks forward to helping even more students—often overlooked—reach their full potential through the power of cooking.
Felicia Williams embodies the belief that her students can achieve anything they set their minds to. Her unwavering love and commitment is truly making Miami Proud.
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