Remember the name, Ben Watkins. This 11-year-old has seen much tragedy in his life but still manages to press forward and pursue his dream of becoming a chef.

Little Ben’s world was turned upside down last September when his father, Michael Watkins, murdered the youngster’s mother, Leila Edwards, before turning the gun on himself in what police in Gary, Indiana, ruled a murder-suicide. Adjusting to the devastation has been quite challenging, but Ben has managed to move forward with his maternal grandmother, Donna Edwards, by his side.

“It’s been an obvious adjustment for Ben, but he’s doing well, considering everything,” Donna shares with media. “He’s quite the little chef,” Edwards adds. “He enjoys baking because of the science behind it.”

Ben affirms that baking is one of his passions. “My mom taught me everything she knew,” he tells the press. “Or I just picked it up by watching her.”

Watkins has the opportunity to show off his skills during the current season of Master Chef Junior. Catch the show every Friday at 8 PM ET/PT on FOX.