Once in a while, we experience moments in our lives when we know we’re on the verge of something big. We just get the feeling that things are about to change, that we’re about to learn an important lesson, that we’re ready to embark on a new adventure.

While working on Candy‘s October issue, I was lucky to meet some extraordinary girls who shared their life-changing experiences with me. Though they’re young, they had so much wisdom to share!

Meet 22-year-old Jessa Jastrzemski. This Austrian-Filipino gal studied at Enderun Colleges and is now a chef working in South Africa!

Her Breakthrough Moment: My biggest breakthrough moment in terms of my culinary career would be when I interned at The Fat Duck Restaurant in England. Starting culinary school at Enderun is one thing, but once I got my foot into the restaurant industry, it felt as if I could accomplish anything. Countless doors opened right in front of me due to my experience at such a well renowned restaurant.

The Challenges: I’ve had to leave my comfort zone. Though I grew up in various parts of the world, the last part of my high school years and my college life were spent in the Philippines so I felt comfortable living there. But comfort to me can also mean being in constant motion since that’s how I grew up. It was also hard leaving family and friends behind.

The Perks of Being a Chef: I love that it takes me to beautiful corners of the world. I get to travel and learn from other chefs and industry leaders. It also allows me to dream big, use my imagination, and get inspired, which is what I think all aspiring chefs strive for.

Her Current Life: Right now I live in Cape Town, South Africa and I am working for the best Italian Chef in country! I’m in a new place, with new people, a different environment, and a new challenge.

On Having Your Own Breakthrough Moment: Just work hard and never give up. Know what your goal is and never forget it so you can follow through when times get tough. It can be a rough industry since you work long hours but if you’re passionate enough and you love to travel and see the world and meet new people, then this would be one of the best ways to go about it! There is no better way to taste the world (both literally and metaphorically speaking) than by being a chef!

Read more breakthrough moments from young girls like you in Candy‘s October issue (page 57). And be sure to share your stories with me as well! E-mail me at angel@candymag.com or tweet me @angelamc23.