I was inspired to write this post after a chance encounter with one of our campus landscaping crew. He was cleaning up a big mess left by students overnight, and I told him, “You must be pretty mad about the mess they left.” His response surprised me. He said, “No, I’m not. If they don’t leave these messes and decide to go to UC Merced, I wouldn’t have a job. I’m grateful to them for my job that allows me to have a roof over my head and feed my family.” His words struck a chord, reminding me how powerful gratitude can be, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.
No matter how much we love our jobs, tough days are inevitable. Deadlines, unforeseen challenges, or simply feeling overwhelmed can make even the most passionate professional question their path. However, I’ve found that gratitude—intentional, daily gratitude—has the power to transform those moments into opportunities for growth.
As a chef and leader, my days are filled with complexities: balancing team morale, daily curve balls and keeping up with ever-changing trends in the culinary world. It can be easy to get bogged down by the stress. But in those moments, I remind myself of what drew me to this profession in the first place: the joy of feeding others, the camaraderie of a kitchen team, and the ability to bring people together through food.
Reflecting on the Positives
Each evening, I take a moment to reflect on three things I’m grateful for from the day. They don’t have to be monumental—sometimes it’s as simple as a colleague stepping in to help during a busy lunch rush or a guest complimenting a dish I created. These small, positive moments remind me that even on hard days, there’s always something worth celebrating.
Gratitude for Those Who Shape Us
I’m forever grateful to my parents, who instilled in me the values of work ethic and kindness. Their guidance has been a foundation in my life and career, and their lessons remind me to lead with compassion and diligence every day. I’m also grateful for my wonderful wife Kim, who is kind, generous and the ying to my yang. That’s Kim on the left presenting a check to Merced College for $150,000 for one of their upcoming projects that supports student learning.
Gratitude for the Journey
I’m incredibly thankful to UC Merced for allowing me to run with my ideas and giving me a platform to share my passions. This university has provided a space to innovate and connect with the next generation, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their trust and support.
A heartfelt thanks also goes to all the guest speakers who take time out of their busy lives to visit UC Merced. While we may not have the glamour of Stanford, UC Berkeley, or USC, their willingness to come to our campus and share their knowledge makes a profound difference. I am inspired by their generosity and humbled by their commitment to our students and community.
I also want to thank the American Culinary Federation (ACF) for their unwavering support of the culinary arts. I wouldn’t be a chef today without the opportunities provided by their apprenticeship program, which gave me the foundation I needed to thrive in this industry. Beyond that, the ACF has connected me with a community of incredible chefs and co-members who have become lifelong friends, offering support, inspiration, and camaraderie throughout my career. They were even so kind as to honor me this past summer as the Monterey Bay ACF Chef of the Year.
I deeply appreciate UC Merced’s Division of Equity, Justice, and Inclusive Excellence (EJIE) for their unwavering support in sharing stories that matter. Their sponsorship of many of our speakers has been instrumental in amplifying voices and bringing diverse perspectives to our campus. Their commitment to the diversity and inclusion space allows us to create meaningful experiences that resonate far beyond our events.
Gratitude Strengthens Connections
Expressing gratitude isn’t just about self-reflection; it’s also about acknowledging the people around you. Taking the time to thank a coworker for their effort or compliment a team member on their creativity fosters a culture of mutual respect. In my experience, showing appreciation for others strengthens bonds and inspires everyone to do their best work.
Gratitude as Motivation
When I think of the incredible opportunities I’ve had—teaching aspiring chefs, working with local farmers, or collaborating with inspiring individuals like the Humble Rice Farmer or Chef Ed Porter—I feel reinvigorated. These experiences remind me that the tough days are temporary and the rewards of this work are lasting.
Practice Makes Perfect
Gratitude is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. On your next challenging day, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself: What am I grateful for in this moment? You might be surprised at how quickly it can shift your mindset.
By embracing gratitude, we create a foundation of positivity and resilience that carries us through challenges, helping us not only to endure tough days but to find meaning and joy within them.
Culinary Connections 