Voorhees native Alyssa Rosenthal joined Rachael Ray to tell her story, cook a delicious meal and get one, or two, exciting surprises.

Alyssa has always wanted to be a chef, but was forced to drop out of culinary school last year after she suffered multiple strokes and multiple seizures caused by a serious blood clot. She had only been in school for three weeks.

During a segment on the Rachael Ray Show, Alyssa – joined by her mother Mara – announced that she has made a full recovery and will be returning to school. Then, the surprises started.

Watch the clip below to see Alyssa meet her hero Emeril Lagasse and receive a scholarship to help pay for school. Pro tip: grab some tissues.