Student Profile
General
Meet Jamie Roberson
At 34 years old, Jamie Roberson finds himself on a journey of renewal and discovery. A culinary arts student at The Kitchens at Reynolds Community College, Jamie’s path has been anything but conventional. For him, Reynolds is more than a place of learning; it is the beginning of a new chapter in his life, a chapter where he redefines himself, finds purpose, and sets the course for a brighter future.
Born in Richmond, Jamie’s early years lacked the structure and stability he longed for. Without the guidance he needed, school wasn’t a priority, and he graduated from high school unsure of what came next. Seeking security, Jamie enlisted in the United States Navy. It was a life-changing decision that provided him with the discipline and direction he had been missing. In the Navy, Jamie excelled, earning numerous medals and awards, and embraced the values of honor, courage, and commitment—principles that continue to shape his life today. “I refused to be a product of my environment and another statistic,” he reflects.
This newfound confidence inspired Jamie to continue learning and growing, and when the time came to leave the Navy, he knew education was the next step. “If you’re not teachable, there can’t be any progress,” he says. With that mindset, Jamie enrolled in Reynolds culinary arts program, where he quickly found a passion for the art of cooking. Although he had always considered himself skilled in the kitchen, his culinary arts classes opened his eyes to the techniques and foundations he had never mastered. Building flavors and learning the intricacies of professional cooking have been his most rewarding experiences so far.
His instructors, Chefs Miller and Savilisky (Chef Savi), have played a pivotal role in Jamie’s journey. Their professionalism and pride in their craft inspire him daily. “They completely embraced me and continued to believe in me, even when I struggled,” Jamie says, crediting their support for helping him persevere through his first semesters. The connection he has built with his instructors reflects the broader lesson he has learned at Reynolds: the importance of community and helping others.
Jamie’s challenges extend beyond the classroom. He is the single father of an autistic son, a role that comes with its own set of difficulties. Yet, his son is also his greatest source of motivation. “Each day I wake up with my son, I know I have a purpose,” Jamie says. Balancing his responsibilities as a father and a full-time student hasn’t been easy, but with the understanding and support of his professors, Jamie has found a way to keep going.
For Jamie, having a “will” and a “why” is essential. His son represents his “will,” the driving force that gets him out of bed each morning, while his education at Reynolds has given him a new “why”—a reason to strive for personal fulfillment. Although many people rely on him, Jamie has come to understand that living for others alone isn’t enough. He is determined to pursue his own goals, both for himself and for his family.
Looking to the future, Jamie dreams of becoming a private caterer. He is already gaining valuable experience through his work with Mercy Chefs, a faith-based non-profit organization that provides restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in natural disasters and emergencies. The organization’s dedication to serving underserved communities inspires Jamie, and he hopes to continue giving back through his culinary career.
As a veteran, Jamie is also passionate about supporting his fellow servicemen and women. One of his long-term goals is to ensure that every local veteran has access to food, and he hopes to create job opportunities for veterans in the culinary industry. “I want to contribute to my fellow veterans and ensure they are never left behind,” Jamie says.
Reflecting on his time at Reynolds, Jamie is filled with gratitude. The college has not only taught him about cooking but also about resilience, dedication, and preparation. His journey hasn’t been easy, but each challenge has strengthened his resolve. “No matter what you go through, everything comes to an end, good or bad. So always do your best until the end,” he says.
With his passion for cooking and his commitment to personal growth, Jamie is poised to turn his dreams into reality. Reynolds has given him the tools to soar, and his flame of ambition burns brighter than ever.
Learn more about Reynolds Culinary Arts program.
Born in Richmond, Jamie’s early years lacked the structure and stability he longed for. Without the guidance he needed, school wasn’t a priority, and he graduated from high school unsure of what came next. Seeking security, Jamie enlisted in the United States Navy. It was a life-changing decision that provided him with the discipline and direction he had been missing. In the Navy, Jamie excelled, earning numerous medals and awards, and embraced the values of honor, courage, and commitment—principles that continue to shape his life today. “I refused to be a product of my environment and another statistic,” he reflects.This newfound confidence inspired Jamie to continue learning and growing, and when the time came to leave the Navy, he knew education was the next step. “If you’re not teachable, there can’t be any progress,” he says. With that mindset, Jamie enrolled in Reynolds culinary arts program, where he quickly found a passion for the art of cooking. Although he had always considered himself skilled in the kitchen, his culinary arts classes opened his eyes to the techniques and foundations he had never mastered. Building flavors and learning the intricacies of professional cooking have been his most rewarding experiences so far.
His instructors, Chefs Miller and Savilisky (Chef Savi), have played a pivotal role in Jamie’s journey. Their professionalism and pride in their craft inspire him daily. “They completely embraced me and continued to believe in me, even when I struggled,” Jamie says, crediting their support for helping him persevere through his first semesters. The connection he has built with his instructors reflects the broader lesson he has learned at Reynolds: the importance of community and helping others.
Jamie’s challenges extend beyond the classroom. He is the single father of an autistic son, a role that comes with its own set of difficulties. Yet, his son is also his greatest source of motivation. “Each day I wake up with my son, I know I have a purpose,” Jamie says. Balancing his responsibilities as a father and a full-time student hasn’t been easy, but with the understanding and support of his professors, Jamie has found a way to keep going.
For Jamie, having a “will” and a “why” is essential. His son represents his “will,” the driving force that gets him out of bed each morning, while his education at Reynolds has given him a new “why”—a reason to strive for personal fulfillment. Although many people rely on him, Jamie has come to understand that living for others alone isn’t enough. He is determined to pursue his own goals, both for himself and for his family.
Looking to the future, Jamie dreams of becoming a private caterer. He is already gaining valuable experience through his work with Mercy Chefs, a faith-based non-profit organization that provides restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in natural disasters and emergencies. The organization’s dedication to serving underserved communities inspires Jamie, and he hopes to continue giving back through his culinary career.
As a veteran, Jamie is also passionate about supporting his fellow servicemen and women. One of his long-term goals is to ensure that every local veteran has access to food, and he hopes to create job opportunities for veterans in the culinary industry. “I want to contribute to my fellow veterans and ensure they are never left behind,” Jamie says.
Reflecting on his time at Reynolds, Jamie is filled with gratitude. The college has not only taught him about cooking but also about resilience, dedication, and preparation. His journey hasn’t been easy, but each challenge has strengthened his resolve. “No matter what you go through, everything comes to an end, good or bad. So always do your best until the end,” he says.
With his passion for cooking and his commitment to personal growth, Jamie is poised to turn his dreams into reality. Reynolds has given him the tools to soar, and his flame of ambition burns brighter than ever.
Learn more about Reynolds Culinary Arts program.