Since creativity and baking go hand in hand, I concocted some recipes including marshmallow cakes, Kit Kat cakes and Toblerone cakes. Of course the table would not have been complete without some vegan options thrown in.

With all things voluntary in mind, and coincidentally on the one month anniversary of the March 11 2011 tsunami, I created a cake stall and accompanying sign encouraging students to eat their way to making a difference in Japan.

My culinary skills clearly paid off because I completely sold out, and even developed a following, particularly for my apricot cheesecake. Five years later and this baking initiative continues to lead to much greater things to come.