My name is Marita Gardener, and I am proud to say I am the Food Service Worker program professor at Evergreen College Toronto. My journey through life was rough before I got to where I am today. However, I never gave up. I started as a dietary aid in 2003 at Leisureworld Senior Care Corporation at 1000 Ellesmere Road, Scarborough, now Sienna Living- Fieldstone Commons care community.

 

Over the years, working as a dietary aide, I moved up to prep cook and eventually a cook. In 2016 I found my passion in what I do.

 

I decided to return to school as a part-time student for three years while working two jobs.

 

In 2020, I had to quit my part-time job at North York General Hospital because the government was not allowing individuals to work two jobs due to covid-19. That’s when I decided to go online to look for a new part-time job to continue paying for my school. Browsing through indeed, I stumbled upon an opportunity, took a leap of faith, and applied for the position with Evergreen College as a Food Service Worker Professor.

 

I said thank you, God, I am blessed to get the position.

 

After completing the Nutrition Management Program in 2021, I landed a position with the Meadows of Aurora as a Nutrition Supervisor for one and a half years.

 

As my journey continues, being the new Director of Dietary Services at Rockcliffe Care Community – Sienna Living, my students can feel comfortable knowing they have a place for their internship.

 

Students are always encouraged to stay positive, never give up, and always ask questions if you’re not sure. I always emphasized that this is the beginning of a new start for my students. They learn how to update their resume and apply for new jobs before their in-class theory ends, so they leave with a positive experience and an open mind.

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