Jocelyn Hernandez discovered her passion for being in the kitchen at a young age, but studying in the Culinary Arts program at Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) stirred up the possibility of turning her love into a career. After an exciting few years developing her skills and culinary expertise alongside mentors, including Top Chef Season 7 winner Kevin Sbraga, Hernandez got the opportunity to pay her education forward.
She returned to the BCIT classroom in January 2016, later transitioning into a full-time teaching role in December 2019. Today, Hernandez, of Delran, is the Culinary Arts teacher at BCIT’s Westampton Campus. She is also advisor to BCIT’s Class of 2026.
“The program at BCIT provided me with a strong foundation to advance my career in the field,” said Hernandez. “I was fortunate to be guided by exceptional instructors who were dedicated to my education. During my time at BCIT, I was honored with the Culinary Arts Award and actively participated in several school activities, including the Student Council, SkillsUSA, and the National Honor Society.”
Hernandez graduated from BCIT in 2009 and attended the Academy of Culinary Arts in Mays Landing.
“I benefitted from an articulation agreement between the two institutions, which allowed me to enter my college career with nine credits from prior coursework, eliminating the need for me to retake those classes,” she explained.
At ACCC, she dedicated herself to refining her culinary skills. She gained practical experience working part-time as a line cook and grill master at Red Lobster. This position provided her with valuable insights into the fast-paced restaurant environment and prepped her for a new challenge working alongside Chef Sbraga.
Hernandez began her journey at Sbraga as a line cook, but her eagerness to learn propelled her to master every station in the kitchen, including prep, meat, fish, pasta, bread production, and Expo. She dedicated five years to this role, during which she further honed her culinary expertise and developed a deep appreciation for the art of cooking.
Towards the end of her tenure at Sbraga, Hernandez was contacted by a mentor and former instructor about a teaching opening at BCIT.
“Eager for a new challenge and the chance to contribute to the education of aspiring chefs, I applied for the position and began my journey at BCIT,” she said.
Over the years, Hernandez’s dedication to the position led her to transition into the full-time teaching role and serve as the career major head teacher at BCIT. She is also active in the school community; she has advised the Student Council, Impact Bible Club, and the recently graduated Class of 2024.
“Having experienced the challenges and triumphs of student life firsthand, I can uniquely relate to my students,” Hernandez explained. “I understand their struggles and am dedicated to guiding them through their own journeys, just as I navigated my path to success. My empathetic approach and nurturing spirit help create a supportive environment, empowering students to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams. With my experience and genuine passion for education, I strive to be a mentor and an inspiring figure within the BCIT community.”
Hernandez’s students have success stories of their own, further validating her decision to become a CTE teacher.
“I am privileged to teach individuals who are pursuing their culinary education and also have alumni who are achieving extraordinary things after the classroom,” she said. “Some of my previous students are entrepreneurs, successfully running their own businesses, while others are gaining practical experience in various industries. Additionally, I have students who are furthering their education or courageously shifting their career paths entirely.”
