The Big News
What a great day! Today I headed to Old Town, Alexandria to meet the lovely and talented Emily, who you all know from one of my absolute favorite blogs, the Daily Garnish. It was my first blogger meet up to date and we had lots to discuss—specifically her experiences at CULINARY SCHOOL!
One of the real reasons for the huge roller coaster recently has been because I have been having major second thoughts about attending nursing school over the past couple months. Though I kept most of these thoughts hidden from those around me, including my family, I have been joking and playing with the idea of culinary school for a while now. Whether spurred on from working at the bakery, finally acknowledging my real passion (food), or dealing with the last of my nursing applications, I had an “ah ha!” moment one night at dinner with Connor last month.
The past several weeks have been spent researching culinary schools all over the country, as well as even attending a tour at one of the schools in the DC area, and telling all my family and friends about my huge change in plans. It has been completely overwhelming and nerve wracking at times—lots of tears, but several more sighs of relief. There was a combination of shock, but, to be honest, many more positive and encouraging words from those around me! It seems a lot of people think this makes perfect sense. I wish they would have told me that a couple years ago! Just kidding, of course.
I have been debating whether I should go with a program geared towards culinary arts or specifically, baking and pastry. I’ll be figuring that out as I go through the process and learn more about the programs and, of course, share all the details with you!
The thought of attending culinary school is both exciting and a little scary—but ultimately, something I know I’m supposed to do. Although I have a pretty good idea of where I might want to go—more details to come over the next week or two—it was so great to meet with Emily and talk about her experiences at Johnson & Wales, as well as how she has utilized her culinary degree since graduating. Thank you, Emily, for putting up with my multitude of questions and giving me much valued advice.
Now, if only I could see all of your shocked faces as you read the big news!
P.S. If you’re new to the blog, a big hello and thank you for taking the time to stop by 🙂
P.P.S. I forgot to break out my camera during lunch, I was that excited!
18 Comments on “The Big News”
Thanks Andrea! It definitely had it’s moments, luckily I have a lot of support.
<3 Laura
Thanks so much, Susan. I completely agree!
<3 Laura
I think following what you love to do with always serve you well in life! It definitely isn’t easy to make such a decision so it really speaks to how brave you are for making such an evaluation for your life! 🙂
Thank you so much, your comment made my day! Will be sharing more favorite recipes and culinary school-related posts soon.
<3 Laura
This is my first visit to your blog and it seems I’ve arrived just in time for your big decision to be made public. Know that I wish you well and suspect you’re going to love culinary school. I’ve been browsing through your earlier entries and just wanted you to know how much I enjoy the food and recipes you feature here. I’ll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Very true, definitely something I have gone back and forth about. I think the biggest clincher is that I realized besides many of the (great) perks of nursing, I didn’t really have anything I was excited about with regards to nursing, whereas the thought of culinary school/working with food makes me excited about the future. Thanks for providing your input though! Might be sending an email your way at some point 🙂
Thank you! Always valuable to hear other people’s experiences regarding culinary school. Now’s the time, right?
<3 Laura
Laura,
I am an RN and if you have any questions about nursing, please do ask me!
I have many other passions other than nursing, but atleast I have job security because there will always be sick people.
Have a great day!
Good to know. Thanks!
Good for you, Laura, for following your passion. I attempted to go to culinary school in my late 20’s and got side tracked. Wish I had followed my passion. Enjoy, embrace, induldge, and be grateful!
I went to Johnson & Wales in Providence, RI. I really like the campus and chefs there. Such good people, I learned a lot!
It was really fun–so glad I finally got to meet Emily! Will definitely keep you updated, where did you go to culinary school??
<3 Laura
Oh wow! So good to hear from people with similar stories. I’ve heard it’s a great experience overall. I might be sending you an email sometime soon 🙂
<3 Laura
So jealous of your blogger meetup!! i have yet to do one of those!! I hope you decide to attend culinary school, it’s a truly great experience!! I went to school for culinary arts and am glad I did. Nowadays when I want to challenge myself I practice baking at home or on the side. Keep us updated!!! 🙂
that is so awesome! After a bachelor’s degree in English, I also decided culinary school was what would really make me happy! I started at Le Cordon Bleu in Portland in November and I don’t regret it at all! I had no idea this where I would be a year ago, but I am truly happy that I am at this point.
Exactly! You read my mind. Luckily I’ve realized that by taking some time off since graduating. Thanks Amy!
Well your heart definitely has to be in it to be a nurse. There are many lows to being a nurse also. If you aren’t passionate about it, then that can come across to your patients. And it’s physically hard work, at least in a hospital like I work in.
I say follow what you are passionate about. Nothing will make you happier than that!
Hi! I just stumbled across your blog. Congratulations on being brave enough to admit and follow your dreams. It isn’t always easy, especially if it’s not what our family, friends, peers expect us to do! Wishing you all the best.