Ha ha ha ha ha ha. Someone in California thinks a two year cooking class will entitle them to big money as a "chef". First of all, there are legions of Mexicans you are competing with. A non-Mexican is going to have a rough road in California as a kitchen worker.
And someone with a two year cooking degree and no experience is NOT a "chef". The title "chef" is reserved for someone with a lot of experience who actually knows the ropes. A restaurant kitchen is like a ship and there are ranks of hierarchy all the way down to the dishwasher. People have to earn their rank, the chef most of all. It takes years of work and experience before someone can claim the title of "chef".
Again, the degree from a good culinary school means a lot to restaurateurs. As others have pointed out, something is wrong here. She may be lazy or wants to start at the top.