Ericca Watson enrolled at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts (CSCA) in September 2002 at the age of 20. Ericca came from a large family with five siblings and bounced from school to school until 7th grade. She finally landed at Boston Latin Academy where she graduated in June, 2001. Her mother moved to Georgia when she was in 10th grade and Ericca stayed with her father until the middle of her senior year, when she moved out and began a long period of moving from place to place. During this period, she lived with family at times as well as in several shelters, including the Pine Street Inn. It was while she was at the Pine Street Inn that she enrolled in a food service training program and began to think of a career in the food industry. Also during this time, she gave birth to her son, Eric, born in February of 2002. Ericca is now in an apartment of her own with her son and was able to attend school with financial assistance from a Sallie Mae loan. Ericca will graduate from the Professional Chef's Program at CSCA this June. Ericca is such a joy to have in class, is always upbeat and a help to her classmates. Ericca has accomplished so much regardless of her hardships. We know that with her determination she has a bright future ahead of her.