Her parents wanted her to continue in law school at the National University of Singapore.

But Miss Melissa Tsang gave up after three semesters and dropped out in November 2013.

Instead, she enrolled for a diploma in Culinary Arts with At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy.

The 22-year-old told The New Paper: "I felt strongly against continuing so I dropped out, only notifying my parents after."

Her parents were dismayed.

"My father was livid. I was not sure what I wanted to do, but it was definitely not law," she said.

Mr Charles Tsang, 64, a surgeon, said: "I just wanted her to be very sure of what she's passionate about as I've seen her make decisions that change constantly."

So, to be sure, Miss Tsang took on a few jobs, ranging from fast-food service to content writing in an e-commerce startup, after leaving law school.

Nothing struck a chord within her until a five-month stint in a cafe where she was involved in food production.

She finally found what she was looking for.

She said: "My parents asked me if I was okay and if I needed psychiatric help. They were mainly concerned about the long hours and the low pay."

She also had little experience in the kitchen beyond some home cooking and baking.

CRIED

Mr Tsang said: "I was very shocked when she cried, telling me this is what she really wanted.

"As a parent, I can only support her, but I can't help but think whether she will drop out of culinary school, just like she did for law school."

But Miss Tsang stuck to her guns and is now in the final term of her 18-month diploma programme.

Miss Tsang is on a six-month internship with an Asian-fusion restaurant and bar, The East Bureau.

She said she had to pick up conversational Cantonese to communicate effectively within a Chinese kitchen, an area she is interested in.

She knows it is tough to make a name for herself in the industry.

She met a chef de partie from Malaysia who earns just over $2,000 a month, and that is with 17 years of experience.

Miss Tsang, however, aims to become a chef de partie in two to three years' time and hopes to take home a salary of about $2,200 to $2,300 monthly.

She said she has no regrets. Her advice to others thinking of jumping in?

"Just be sure, make a plan, and don't look back," she said.

Her determination has even convinced her father.

Mr Tsang said: "I am very proud of her and what she has accomplished. We finally have something common in our careers - we are both good with knives."