Ruth Mateyoke

Ruth has always enjoy the creativity that cooking has provided her, leading her to choose a career in the culinary field. Ruth graduated from Jefferson Community and Technical College in Spring of 2024 with an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts.

Ruth has worked at UPS as a Ramp Worker since 2021. Ruth decided to attend JCTC so she could be in the Metropolitan College program, and graduate from school debt free.

Ruth previously worked in an Ethiopian restaurant as a server during an internship doing front of house tasks. Ruth would like to work in a high-end restaurant upon graduation, and one day open a food truck.

This spring, Ruth was chosen as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding MC Student Award, an award that recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, work-life balance, and academic success.

Learn more about Ruth Mateyoke in this MC Spotlight Q&A Interview

Why did you decide to participate in the MC program?

I decided to participate in the MC program because I had passion for cooking and wanted sharpen my skills through school. I didn’t want to burrow any money for school because I was afraid of being in debt. When I learned JCTC has a culinary program and is partnered with the MC program, I took on the challenge of working night shifts at UPS in order for my schooling to be paid and not have the worry about being in debt.

What advice do you have for prospective and current students in the MC program?

If you are sure what you are pursuing is what you really want to do once you graduate, I would encourage you to keep pushing yourself because it will be worth it once you have completed. But remember to take care of yourself through what you eat and drink, as well as how much sleep you get. And remember to have social interactions outside of school and work.

What has been your greatest accomplishment in life?

I was adopted from Ethiopia at the age 11 with very little educational background. School was really hard for me here so my greatest accomplishment right now would be graduating high school and being almost done with college.

What led you to choose your major of study?

I enjoyed the time I spent creating and cooking dishes for myself as well as for others.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I would like to work at a high-end restaurant.

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We are proud of our current students and alumni and their incredible accomplishments! The MC Spotlight is a way for us to highlight the amazing things our current students and alumni are doing. As you read their stories, you will learn how their Metropolitan College experiences helped to shape their futures and influence their careers.

We are always on the lookout for inspiring MC Spotlight stories. If you or someone you know is interested in sharing a story with us, contact us at askmetro@kctcs.edu.

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