Matt Dawson, age 16, is in 11th grade student and lives in Temecula. He chose one of our Springs´school because it gave him the flexible schedule he needed to pursue his career path as a chef. He enjoys the “interesting personalities” of his teachers, and appreciates “how much they care about my success in life.”
Matt is a talented student, and passed his California high school exit exam on the first try. Key areas of study are classes related to business and the culinary arts. He hopes to attend the Culinary Institute of America to further his training for a career as a professional chef. He hopes one day to own a 4 or 5-star restaurant and “climbing the culinary industry ladder by promoting myself and my cuisine. Look for my restaurant in 2022.”
He’s grateful for the influence of his parents in his life. He said, “Since my parents have their own business, they have shared with me a business sense and taught me that it takes hard work and determination to reach you goals.”
He’s also grateful for the influence of two chefs: his cousin, Josh Dorfner, who “opened the door to help me start my career and to make connections in the culinary world”; and his friend, Jeremy Manley “who has given me in-depth training, connections, and business knowledge in the culinary field.”
He’d like to meet chef Grant Achatz: “his culinary knowledge and innovation brings something new to the table to often ‘awe’ the diner. It would be a great experience to learn his techniques and philosophy.”
His hobbies include swimming and off-roading; he also enjoys spending time with family, friends and his dog, and going to church. He said, “It gives me a well-rounded life.”
