Daniel Arias
Mission College
Santa Clara, CA USA
"Take your time in finding your place and when you find it, you’ll know."
Career Roadmap
Daniel's work combines: Education, Food, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I was afraid to tell my mother that I had decided to pivot from my plan to become a doctor and become a cook instead. When I finally told her, she wasn't happy. We didn't speak for months. She eventually reached out again and accepted my decision because I'd still be making a living. What our parents truly want is for us to be able to sustain ourselves, so it can be scary for them if we make a decision that they think puts that in jeopardy. Once they realize we'll be okay, then they're okay too.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Associate's Degree
Biological Science
Fullerton College
Associate's Degree
Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America
Associate's Degree
Food and Restaurant Management
Mission College
Bachelor's Degree
Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management
San Jose State
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
My first job at 13 was working as a cleanup boy in a high-end restaurant—this initially sparked my interest in the hospitality industry.
2.
I first pursued a career in medicine, aiming to become a surgeon, but a passion for cooking redirected my path.
3.
While completing my biology degree, I discovered my love for culinary arts through elective courses in food prep and management.
4.
I then took a one-day cooking class at a winery, which solidified my decision to pursue a career in culinary arts.
5.
After completing culinary school, I followed my passion and began working in the culinary industry.
6.
Transitioning from industry to education, I became a chef instructor, sharing my love for cooking with students at Mission College.
7.
Now as department chair, I continue to teach and inspire students, helping them find their passion in hospitality and culinary arts.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
You're making a bad decision by pursuing cooking instead of medicine.
How I responded:
I was afraid to tell my mother that I had decided to pivot from my plan to become a doctor and become a cook instead. When I finally told her, she wasn't happy. We didn't speak for months. She eventually reached out again and accepted my decision because I'd still be making a living. What our parents truly want is for us to be able to sustain ourselves, so it can be scary for them if we make a decision that they think puts that in jeopardy. Once they realize we'll be okay, then they're okay too.