March is National Women’s History Month. EASTERN is celebrating by spotlighting several of our successful female students and alum. Today’s student spotlight features Reese Fichter, an EASTERN Culinary Arts/Upper Dublin High School junior, who chose EASTERN’s Culinary Arts because she grew up in the kitchen with her Nana and decided to learn more about turning her love of baking into a career.
Reese was nominated for a Woman’s History Month student spotlight by EASTERN’s Culinary Arts Instructional Aide, Chef Nicole Suanlarm. To Reese, National Women’s History Month means being able to represent all of the women in the past who have risked everything to allow us to have all of the opportunities we have today. “It is so important to make sure they are well-represented and appreciated,” said Reese.
During the pandemic, Reese was reminded of her love of being in the kitchen. She had a friend in EASTERN’s Allied Health program who often talked about how much she loved the program. “My friend told me about the Culinary Arts program,” said Reese. “It seemed like such a good option to do something I love during the school day.” Reese’s friend who introduced her to EASTERN is now attending Temple University for Nursing.
Reese has a strong sense of volunteerism and enjoys being part of Upper Dublin’s Mini Thon program to raise money for pediatric cancer. “It is a great feeling to do something that helps so many people. Upper Dublin’s Thon is a scaled down version of the one they hold at Penn State. At Upper Dublin’s Thon students dance for six hours straight without a break representing all the strength that the children with cancer have. Last year, we raised $45,253.66.”
Reese has many people who inspire her to be her best, but her Nana, Mom, and Aunt are at the top of her list. “I am so lucky to know so many fantastic, loving, and hard-working people to show me how to be a good person,” said Reese. “I have looked up to my Nana so much since I was little, and my mom is an amazing mother and person. I admire my aunt who is so fun-loving and who I would like to be like when I am older. My aunt works for the Hepatitis B Foundation and plans fundraisers.”
Directly following graduation, Reese is interested in Johnson and Wales University or another culinary school that also teaches you the business-side of the industry. She would like to open up her own bakery.
