Philip Foster (’26) has a special passion for baking. While many choose to hang out with their friends or play video games, Foster spends his time serving people in his community doing what he loves best.
Everyone has a passion for something, finding something important to build a foundation of what you find fun and what your values are will help shape who you are. It can come in a variety of productivities and activities, making sure you stay away from a stressful day life.
“My favorite thing to do at school, probably like game day and weight training. I just love like, because it’s like, it’s so much of a like bringing people together… like you talk with them, have fun, laugh, you know, it’s great,” Foster said.
Foster is best known for his friendliness, smile, and his hard working attitude from his peers. But most of all his love for baking, Foster runs bake sales that is known school wide. For two days a week outside of school property, he street vends for the students in the community.
“I really started because one time I brought baked goods to school and then people were like, oh, these are actually really good. You should actually start selling them,” Foster said. “Then I considered that and I really enjoyed baking. I want to try out new recipes… I really appreciate everyone who pulls up, it’s all love, I don’t have no beef with no customers. I love them all.”
Foster bakes many fan favorites viewed by his customers. While many see the finished products, not many people get to observe the behind the scenes on the work it takes Foster in order to prepare for his sales.
“Chocolate chip cookies are definitely the most popular. Maybe coffee cake would be second and followed by just normal brownies. So the simple stuff is what’s the most popular,” Foster said. “One a.m. makes it really safe for me to get everything done in time. But if I need to bake everything… I’ll probably wake up closer to 12 because cookie dough takes quite long to prep.”
Sales are nothing without knowledge of them. According to University of Southern California (USC) Advertising in person gives an emotional response, giving a human connection and credibility through its physical experience. This is important because it gives Foster the opportunity to build a connection with his target audience and potential consumers.
“I used to do Mondays, but the main thing is if I do Tuesdays, I can advertise Monday in person. And I think advertising in person is really important, not just online. So that’s why I like to do [Sales on] Tuesdays. And then Fridays as well. Most people come Fridays because that’s when they’re free,” Foster said.
It’s clear that Foster has a special love for what he does. He does it for the people around him and doesn’t let anything discourage him. Passion shapes who Foster is and gives people close to him a view on how he thinks.
“If you really enjoy something, just make sure you pursue that. And even if it’s more of a difficult path, if you enjoy doing that and you can be around people who lift you up, you should pursue that, ” Foster said.
