Being born and raised in Indonesia, I am lucky to be exposed to such diverse and unique cuisines from all the different regions of the country. Growing up, I spent most of my free time in the kitchen watching my mom cook and helped her bake during the weekends. These experiences led to my interest in culinary and the science of food.

 

Five years ago, my dad got a heart attack out of nowhere. The doctor told him that he had a cardiovascular disease all along and the cholesterol buildup in his arteries wall triggered the heart attack. He was advised to watch his diet and to eat mindfully, consume more fruits and vegetables and to avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats. This crushing incidence opened my mind that nutrition, through healthy eating habit, is the best medicine to counteract most diseases. Since then, I was determined to prevent other people from having to experience what I went through, watching their loved ones lying lifelessly in a hospital bed. I want to educate and help others to live a healthy life, which leads me to pursue a career in nutrition.  

 

I moved to the States three years ago in order to explore my passion in food and nutrition. Currently, I am a junior year student at UC Berkeley majoring in Nutritional Science – Dietetics. I believe that we have to eat well in order to be well. I also believe that nutritious meals should be accessible to anyone wherever they are.