Texas Border Business
Veronica Salinas
For 18-year-old Natalia Garcia, the kitchen has always been a place of comfort, a space filled with the warmth of family, laughter and the smell of something sweet baking in the oven. What began as a simple hobby helping her mom with cakes and cookies for family gatherings has now blossomed into a career, she’s proudly pursuing at South Texas College.
A 2024 graduate of Sharyland High School and dual credit student with STC, Garcia says her love for baking started at home but truly took shape in the classroom. Helping her mom sparked her curiosity, but it was a high school nutrition class that turned that curiosity into passion.
“My mom is good at baking and cooking, and I would help her when we had parties and get-togethers,” she said. “That’s how it started, then I got more into it and started finding my own recipes.”
Her teacher, who had also studied baking and pastry arts encouraged her to explore her interest and take it to the next level.
After graduating, she didn’t hesitate to follow that spark straight into STC’s Culinary Arts Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts program at the Mid-Valley Campus.
Long before enrolling, the kitchen had already become her escape. Growing up, Garcia often found herself in her aunt’s spacious kitchen which quickly became her sanctuary. While other students might have turned to music or journaling to unwind, Garcia turned to flour, sugar and butter.
“My aunt had a big kitchen, so I would use baking as an escape,” she said. “Whenever I felt stressed or overwhelmed, I’d go there, turn on some music and start baking. It gave me peace and reminded me that even small things like watching cake rise or decorating cupcakes can bring so much joy.”
Now, as a full-time culinary student, Garcia says her passion has only deepened. Every day, she learns something new, not just about the science of baking, but about herself.
“I really enjoy this program,” she said. “The faculty members are amazing and they teach very well,” she said. “A lot of them also work in the industry, so they’re teaching us from real experience. They don’t just show us recipes, they share stories, lessons and techniques that you can’t find in a textbook. You can tell they care about us and our growth and that makes a big difference.”
She feels like every class is a new opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Whether it’s mastering the perfect dough, learning plating and presentation or understanding the science behind baking she says the program pushes her to think creatively and work with precision.
“You not only learn about cooking but real techniques through hands-on experience,” she said. “We’re constantly practicing, experimenting and learning from our mistakes. It’s exciting to see yourself improve and make something from scratch.”
Garcia’s journey through the program has taught her more than recipes and techniques. It’s taught her patience, teamwork and confidence. She’s learned that success in the kitchen, much like life, often comes from trial and error.
“This program is for you if you’re willing to learn and make mistakes,” she said. “That’s how you grow. Every time something doesn’t come out right, it just pushes you to do better the next time.”
From baking in her family’s kitchen to learning from industry professionals, Garcia has discovered that passion can turn into purpose when you follow it with heart.
“Baking has taught me patience and how to trust the process,” she said. “Every mistake becomes a lesson, and every success tastes a little sweeter.”
For more information on STC’s Culinary Arts program visit: southtexascollege.edu/academics/culinary-arts/.
