Brianna Bates

By: Charles Poppe

Brianna Elyse Bates is a college student, baker, artist, lover of foods, and singer. Born in Fairfax County, she started gymnastics and other sports at a young age. She continued to play sports and destroy others until high school, where she would put more focus on her studies as well as her pursuant of drama and the liberal arts. She was involved in many plays, concerts, and performances throughout her high school career. Some of her more popular performances were Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors, Thisbe and Flute in Mid Summer's Night Dream, and Marty in Grease. At the young age of 18, she applied and was accepted into the Culinary Institute of America located in Hyde Park New York. Although sad from having to leave her friends and family behind, she was excited to begin this new adventure in a new place.

Brianna Bates' college years were hard due to the high costs, difficult courses, and different environment. Despite these adversaries she maintained her optimism and determination to achieve her goals. While studying the procedures, methods, and practices of the culinary art, she also worked in the school's mail room to make money to pay for her classes. Brianna successfully completed some semesters at the Culinary Institute of America, learning new skills and expanding her horizons. She now sets her sights on schools back home in Virginia to continue her learning as well as be close to the ones she loves.

Back in Virginia, she continued her studies at Virginia Western while also working at various jobs to pay for school as well as set her up for her future. She dreams of opening up her own bakery, with plans of calling it Four of a Kind, in reference to her family. She also dreams of living where she can feel the ocean breeze and see her feet through crystal clear water.