Maria Buko

Competitor in Skill: Bakery
Country: United States of America

How did you get interested in your skill?
My Grandmother taught me how to decorate cakes when I was 13 years old. This sparked an interested in the field, which then continued to grow at the Saginaw Career Complex.

Where did you do your training for your skill?
I started most of my training at the Saginaw Career Complex (2012-2014) and now continue it at The Culinary Institute of America.

How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
I found out about SkillsUSA through my technical school, The Saginaw Career Complex.

Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
My instructors at the Saginaw Career Complex were the strongest influence to me to continue in the culinary industry.

Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
My most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills has been meeting the entire team. I was nervous to meet all these talented people, and they turned out to be very down to earth and fun.

Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
My experience since I started WorldSkills has been amazing. There are so many hardworking people in this organization as well as tall the people who have supported me throughout my journey.

Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
Competiting in skills competitions has helped me progress in my skill greatly. Not only does it look good on a resume, it has helped me gain so much knowledge and experience in the culinary field.

What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I currently attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.

What are your future career aspirations?
My future career aspirations are to own my own bakery or café someday, as well as travel the world.