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Lucile is a 17-year-old International student from France, who has been studying at Brooks since September 2021. She came to Canada out of respect for her late father, who had always wanted to visit this country. 

“Studying in Canada has been great for me because of all the things I have done and places I have visited. ”Lucile thinks going to school in Canada is easier than studying in France. “In France, on most days, we go to school from 8:00am to 6:00pm. We only study academic subjects and have no electives.” 

In addition to helping prepare meals for Brooks students, Lucile also contributes to the school by being a Link Leader. 

Lucile has been passionate about cooking since she was 4 years old. At that time her grandmother would come to her house every week to bake an assortment of goodies like muffins, cupcakes, waffles, cakes and crepes. Over the years Lucile has changed her focus from learning how to bake to learning how to cook. “Now when I cook it makes me happy, and it makes the people eating the food happy!” 

Currently in Grade 12, Lucile spends three blocks a day taking courses in the Brooks Culinary Arts Program and one block studying Life Science 11 and English 12 in the online room. Lucile enjoys her cooking classes with Mr. Knickerbocker. “I have learned a lot from him, and he is fun to work with. He is very supportive of me, even when I make the occasional mistake.” Lucile’s excellence in cooking was recently recognized when she received a silver medal at a Regional Skills competition in Campbell River. Mr. Knickerbocker commented on her success:” From day one in the kitchen, Lucile took a strong interest in Culinary Arts. Like many real cooks she is hard working and expects a lot of herself and her colleagues. Her passion for food and natural talent will help her succeed in any kitchen, but her ability to have fun and laugh while doing it will make it all the more meaningful.” 

Next year Lucile will be entering the Culinary Arts Management Diploma Program at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. “I am really excited to be able to study at a university in Canada and learn more about cooking and managing a business.” After graduating from VIU, Lucile hopes to get a work permit and remain in Canada.  

Lucile credits her host mother, Jen Kennedy as someone who has supported and inspired her while living in Canada. ”Jen is like a weird mix between a mother and a sister to me. She is someone I can always go to if I need some help solving a problem. Jen is incredible, as she can do everything!”  Lucile is also grateful for her family in France, especially for her brother William. 

Lucile loves living in Powell River because of the ocean, forests and people. “Everyone is so nice to me and treats me so well.”  

Her favourite vacation would be to visit the Ivory Coast where her mother was born. Lucile’s favorite singer is Elvis Presley and she also enjoys listening to 60’s and 70’s rock music. 

Her advice to younger students is: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. For example if you make a mistake, don’t worry about it as you will do better next time.”  

In the next five years Lucile hopes to be working towards becoming a culinary arts teacher at a secondary school in B.C. Let’s hope that her educational journey will one day lead her back to Powell River.