With her lookalike sister attending Westover Job Corps Center, Culinary Arts students Nichole Fernandes was eager to make a name for herself.

“Everyone always confused me with my sister,” she said. “I came to Northlands to establish my own identity.”

And that she did. Nichole excelled in her trade and is now leaving for Advanced Training at the Penobscot Job Corps Center in Bangor, Maine. She will be studying baking and pastry-making.

“My ultimate goal is to own my own bakery. Until then, I’m eager to get as much experience as I can. I want to get my American Culinary Foundation Baking Certificate, and then I’ll go wherever the road takes me,” she said.

Nichole said that while coming to rural Vermont was an adjustment for her, it created positive changes that will help her succeed. “I came from the ghetto,” she said. “Coming the Northlands has taught me to be more easy-going and mellower. It’s quiet here. I’ve learned to hear more and listen more, and that’s important.”

As Nichole rang Northlands’ Bell of Success, an honor reserved for those continuing their education in Advanced Training, she looked back on her time at Northlands. “It’s been a great experience!”

(Below: Nichole rings Northlands’ Bell of Success)