With school wrapping up this week, there has been much to reflect on. Six months ago, I left my life as I knew it to start anew and follow my passion for cooking. Perhaps I read one too many ‘O’ articles or maybe it was the sign in front of my bed that says, “follow your bliss”, but I sautéed boldly into the future with a large loan and a full-time job in event management now behind me.
The school has kept me intrigued by teaching me new cooking techniques as well as about food and its connection to healing. From seaweed to pasta and bread to sauces, we covered a lot of ground in this intensive program. The people I met at the school, from Jeri at the front desk, to all the teachers and my fellow students, everyone’s care and passion was clear. I am leaving culinary school now with much satisfaction, many new friends and an eagerness for the future.
My experience has really lit a fire (or burner) under my ass. Now, of course, it’s time to take what I’ve learned and apply it to a real world career. Off into the sunset I will sail, a fierce chef with a clear vision and the degree to back it up. My plans to confidently dive into the post-culinary school waters are solidifying as you read this. Get ready, world!
J/K. I have no clue what lies ahead. I have the knowledge and the passion but the concrete applications are still proving to be allusive. Private cheffing? Catering? Starting my own business? If so, what kind of business? I know these are questions that face all recent graduates and it would be very easy to fold under the weight of the various options. Luckily folding ain’t my bag and never has been. So it’s off to meet the next challenge head on. In one hand I will have my newly acquired and sharpened knife kit to take care of all the practical matters of slicing and dicing. In the other hand I will have my well-worn tool kit filled with my old reliables – optimism and determination – to get me the rest of the way. Stay tuned!
Photo courtesy of Arielle Nugent.
Enjoy xo 