Faces of NLU: Niyah-Li Webb

For Niyah-Li Webb, the decision to pursue an A.A.S. in Baking and Pastry Arts at National Louis University wasn't just about choosing a degree—it was about following a lifelong passion.

"I've always been passionate about baking and decorating desserts!" Niyah-Li shares. That passion, combined with NLU's affordability and unique culinary focus, made the university the perfect fit. "I didn't want to go to a normal college," she explains, and NLU offered her something different—a place where she could turn her creative talents into a professional skill set.

Niyah-Li's time at NLU has been transformative. Through her cooking classes, she's gained a deeper understanding of baking as both an art and a science. But beyond the technical skills, she's discovered clarity about her future. "I want to start my own bakery one day, and getting this degree would help me move forward with my goal," she says.

Learn More About Earning your A.A.S. in Baking and Pastry at NLU's Kendall College

When asked to describe NLU in one word, Niyah-Li chooses "artistic." She elaborates: "There are a lot of creative talents at this culinary school with a lot of skills and aspirations of using their basic fundamentals and hands-on skills to master the arts of baking."

Like many students, Niyah-Li has faced her share of challenges. "Following directions" has been one of her biggest obstacles—learning to listen carefully to her chef instructors and understand the grading expectations. But it's through these challenges that she's grown, developing the discipline and attention to detail essential for culinary success.

One instructor who made a particular impact is Chef Tom. "When I had his class, he was very nice and encouraging to me in helping me find out what I want to be in life from learning more about his story," Niyah-Li recalls. This meaningful mentorship exemplifies NLU's personalized approach to education—faculty who invest in their students' journeys, both professional and personal.

Learn More About NLU's Kendall College

For students considering NLU, Niyah-Li offers reassuring wisdom: "It's okay if you don't know what you want to be in life. With the proper guidance and support, you'll know when the time is ready."

As Niyah-Li continues working toward her dream of opening her own bakery, she's proof that with passion, determination, and the right educational environment, sweet success is always within reach.