Goli Dreams of Graduation

Today is my college graduation…if I were attending it. So many people have told me to get over it because I’m pursuing a master, because I finished months ago, because I’m on the other side of the world (in Italy!)…blah blah blah. But the truth of the matter is that I am a big bubble of emotions. I have spent six long years working on my undergrad; at times so lost I did not know if I would ever find my way. Once it found me, culinary school was such a blessing (an expensive blessing) because it fed my passion (literally), gave me a purpose, and exposed me to so many experiences I would never have imagined before.

It’s also where I met some of the most wonderful and supportive people who have stood by me through thick and thin. Today is a day we dreamt about for a long time. It was one of the first of many things we bonded over…oh, to get the heck out and have a degree! There were some really long and hard days and, of course, there were days that were just too easy. College is one thing, but writing endless recipe cards, sitting through Wilcox’s lectures, busting ass in the kitchen at odd hours of the morning and night, and working jobs in other industries we hate are some of the few things that only we understand. It was also the breeding ground of the one and only Tripod, giving me the two best friends and gal could ask for. We’ve all been through some tough shit in the last few years, and the fact is that we could have made it through culinary school without each other’s support, it just would have SUCKED.

And the instructors leave quite the impression as well. They pick apart your technique, flavor, presentation, work ethic and can make you wonder if you’re in the right place (sometimes even more when they know you don’t want to be a chef, just like them). And you pray that they don’t notice your neckerchief is missing and you’ve left your earrings on…again. Maybe it’s because the school is much smaller than a public university or maybe it’s because they spend so much freakin’ time with you that they know your name AND your dog’s name (and about your insane devotion to him) and your taste for “adult beverages” after a particularly crappy day at school. But the truth is that they really do care. I will never forget what some of these men and women have taught me, not only about the industry but about life as well.

I can easily say I’m a bit homesick today. The reality is that I miss my AI family dearly. I missed them when school was over in March and I’m missing them on graduation day. I’m so honored to say I’ve worked with them and so proud of what we’ve accomplished. And yes, I’m very lucky to be here in Italy pursuing even more of my culinary dreams but as I rode the bus to school, sat in lecture, tasted wines in class and took a private tour of an amazing cheese shop (yes, CHEESE SHOP!!!!), I couldn’t help but think of them all day. And I most certainly will think of them as I hit the streets of Bra tonight for Aperitivo in Console.

No matter what anyone says, regardless of the fact that I’m living the dream, I wish I could be there…in So Cal…with you.

First class, Product ID, August 2009

Finals Week, Winter 2010

  

Garde Manger Final, Fall 2010

Minh's graduation, Summer 2011
Tripod for life!

Senior Practicum, Winter 2012

A la Carte, Dinner Service, Winter 2012