1 A loud voice yells An authoritative voice bellows my name in the crowded school cafeteria: “MATZ!” My freshman year track coach walks towards me, and everyone around us gets quiet as he gets closer. advances towards me, each stride squashing surrounding chatter and closing the distance between us. I know exactly what awaits me.

2 “Remember,” he says, looking right at me standing in front of me with eyes fixed on mine, “the lemon squares.” He smiles and adds, He adds with a grin, “And could you put a smiley face on top?”

3 It’s his birthday, so I want it to be special. I Wanting his birthday treat to be memorable, I make a note to buy pick up raspberry jam to draw it. for drawing the image.

4 Many teachers and students call me “The Baker.” I am known as “The Baker” by countless teachers and peers. In Throughout high school, I have baked a lot of things for a lot of people. shared hundreds of my homemade delights for special days and ordinary days, individuals and groups, and friends and strangers. I am really passionate about baking because it helps me connect with Baking is incredibly meaningful to me as a way to strengthen my relationships with myself, other people, and different cultures. others, and cultures around the world.