CNMI resident graduates from UK culinary school

A former Marianas High School student completed last week his second course at a prestigious culinary school in the United Kingdom.

Former MHS student Earl Bordon completed his second course—a patisserie course—at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in London last March 22, 2019, on the heels of the culinary management distinction course he finished last Dec. 14, 2018.

Bordon now holds diplomas for both courses.

He told Saipan Tribune that studying culinary arts in London exposes him to the European culinary scene. “I decided to study abroad in London because it is one of the biggest food capital in the world. The food industry here is huge and one of the best,” he said in an email message.

He chose to study at the Le Cordon Bleu “because it is one of the oldest and first culinary institutes in Europe. The school focuses heavily on French cuisine and pastry, which I was interested in. It is internationally recognized.”

He noted, though, that returning to Saipan has yet to be decided.

“If I find a job at the U.K. or U.S. before my student visa expires, I’ll be working right away. But if not, I’ll be coming home to spend time with my family and probably work,” he said.

Bordon aims to work as a pastry cook either in the U.S. mainland, the U.K., or on Saipan and eventually have his own establishment.

“I want to gain more experience in my field and use my acquired knowledge. In the future I want to start a small home business and potentially open a pastry shop,” he said.

Bordon’s father, Jing Bordon, said in a brief interview with Saipan Tribune that having sent his eldest son to an institute such as Le Cordon Bleu is one of his proudest achievements.

“It’s very rewarding to have a son that works in such a prestigious school that is impossible for us to afford,” he said.

According to Jing, Earl Bordon’s tuition was covered by a scholarship awarded to him by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce as well as three years’ worth of savings. Earl Bordon’s two siblings also helped.

The struggle to obtain the tuition funds, according to Jing Bordon, was also a life lesson for his son.

“My son had the essence of hard work instilled into him. His persistence and his faith is what really allowed him to pursue his dreams,” he said.