I am a very impulsive person. VERY.
So far, the last five trips I've planned have been completely last minute (Shannie can vouch for this), and I just book tickets to North Carolina for next week. Even when I go home, my flight back to SD is never as I booked it. Good thing Southwest has the credit system...
With that said, I've been thinking a lot about my decision with culinary school. "Is this an excuse to get out of Engineering?"..."Is this one of many of my failed hobbies and passions that I've been wanting to pursue?"..."When it gets tough, am I going to give up and find another excuse?" "Is this an impulsive decision?"
I had a conversation with my mama yesterday. Let me first enlighten you of this mother of mine. She's not the type to beat around the bush; she's straight forward to THE bone. However, she has the softest heart, and she is always seeking the best for everyone even if her execution seems otherwise. She has so much wisdom that no matter how "right" you think you are, you're not, and it honestly makes me want to strangle her at times (and yesterday was one of those times).
I was on the phone with her discussing my future in the culinary industry. Now that I look back, this discussion was more of a reality and personality check. She insisted that this decision of mine was momentary and that my passion will dissipate once I start actually working in the field. She reminded me that I have the mentality to easily give up and move on to something different. And of course, at that moment, I was negligent to accept her concerns and instead, trying to convince her that the culinary arts is more than just a hobby and a passion. This phone call was basically a 3hr sales pitch.
However, now that I've let my stubbornness aside, her concerns are legitimate. Culinary school is going to be tough, no doubt, and the future following is going to be even harder. I've heard that the drop out rate of culinary is by far one of the highest. I've been thinking to myself...am I being naive? ...Maybe I'm lying to myself, and when it really does get tough, am I going to book it? However, the more I reflect, the more I think otherwise. I'm convinced that it is "my calling". Food is pretty much what I live for. I've had someone seriously say to me, "Make sure you don't make food an idol over God." THAT in itself explains it all. So impulsive? I don't think so.
My mom calls back later, and her exact words are, "I understand how tough and grueling engineering was for you, and as for culinary school, you are going to insist on going until I send you there. Therefore, as a reward for getting your degree in engineering, I will send you to CIA in New York. I will convince your dad." I love my mom.
The question now is....CCA in SF or CIA in NY....
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Post-Grad
Occurrences of the past three weeks have inspired me to start a blog. The realities of post-graduation has led me into deep reflection of where I currently stand...in respect to my walk with God, my career, and my growth as a person.
My walk -
At this point, with my daily routines, I can honestly say that I have failed as a Christian. And as a result, this lack of guidance comes with so many more downfalls, i.e. my attitude, my vices, my relationships, my confidence. I have come to a realization the other day that none of these downfalls can be resolved without the help of God. I have been trying to "fix" myself through my own will and strength; however, that just led me into a deeper pit. I was comfortable with living a life where God is not first priority, but rather, on the lower end of the spectrum. I had the mentality that I had everything in control. However, recent happenings have disrupted this complacent state of mind, leading me to my situation now. After three weeks of complaining and being a whiner, I have come to a conclusion that I need God. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that there are no coincidences. God puts us through hardship for the sake of us, for us to realize who and what we really depend on. Reality check!
first thing's first: it's time to change my lifestyle.
My career -
I've harbored bitterness towards engineering since about a month after I transferred into the major; however, this bitterness has recently turned into hatred. I'm not exactly sure what lead to this pessimism, but I definitely know that my heart was never there. I got through classes with minimal effort only to remind myself that the money was good after college. Even during my internship, I would question to myself..."Why am I here?...". I have been so blinded by my influences (living in silicon valley) and by parental "advice" that I was convinced engineering (or technical sales) was my career of choice, which was why I stuck with it until now.
Food, on the other hand, is a completely different story. I believe I have the knowledge and the palate to pursue my career in the food industry and eventually, open my own restaurant. Of course, I need more training and experience, which leads me to my next topic: culinary school.
This week, I have finally successfully convinced my parents to send me to culinary school.
(For this, I am super thankful to even have that luxury to follow my passion, and to just have that as an option is such an incredible blessing.) I have decided to apply to the hospitality and restaurant management program in Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles. Once I get my degree, I will decide whether or not to apply to the culinary arts program in San Francisco's CCA. This way, I will have both the management knowledge and the culinary experience. Let me remind you, this is only an ideal plan, since plans are never set due to other circumstances (like marriage...jk haha take it easy, christine).
And now my growth as a person -
Oi...this one's a toughy. It is definitely still in the working.
But as of right now, I have definitely gone through enough to have a better understanding of who I am and how to deal with myself under certain situations. I have experienced the worst of me, and I hope to never unleash that side of me again. I hope to get a better understanding of myself and my wants v. needs before I leave San Diego. That's all I'll say for now.
Ending note:
I was listening to one of Pastor Paul's sermons this morning, and there was one line he said that I feel like it can be extremely applicable to our daily interactions: "The people you talk with, are they being encouraged by you?"
My walk -
At this point, with my daily routines, I can honestly say that I have failed as a Christian. And as a result, this lack of guidance comes with so many more downfalls, i.e. my attitude, my vices, my relationships, my confidence. I have come to a realization the other day that none of these downfalls can be resolved without the help of God. I have been trying to "fix" myself through my own will and strength; however, that just led me into a deeper pit. I was comfortable with living a life where God is not first priority, but rather, on the lower end of the spectrum. I had the mentality that I had everything in control. However, recent happenings have disrupted this complacent state of mind, leading me to my situation now. After three weeks of complaining and being a whiner, I have come to a conclusion that I need God. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that there are no coincidences. God puts us through hardship for the sake of us, for us to realize who and what we really depend on. Reality check!
first thing's first: it's time to change my lifestyle.
My career -
I've harbored bitterness towards engineering since about a month after I transferred into the major; however, this bitterness has recently turned into hatred. I'm not exactly sure what lead to this pessimism, but I definitely know that my heart was never there. I got through classes with minimal effort only to remind myself that the money was good after college. Even during my internship, I would question to myself..."Why am I here?...". I have been so blinded by my influences (living in silicon valley) and by parental "advice" that I was convinced engineering (or technical sales) was my career of choice, which was why I stuck with it until now.
Food, on the other hand, is a completely different story. I believe I have the knowledge and the palate to pursue my career in the food industry and eventually, open my own restaurant. Of course, I need more training and experience, which leads me to my next topic: culinary school.
This week, I have finally successfully convinced my parents to send me to culinary school.
(For this, I am super thankful to even have that luxury to follow my passion, and to just have that as an option is such an incredible blessing.) I have decided to apply to the hospitality and restaurant management program in Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles. Once I get my degree, I will decide whether or not to apply to the culinary arts program in San Francisco's CCA. This way, I will have both the management knowledge and the culinary experience. Let me remind you, this is only an ideal plan, since plans are never set due to other circumstances (like marriage...jk haha take it easy, christine).
And now my growth as a person -
Oi...this one's a toughy. It is definitely still in the working.
But as of right now, I have definitely gone through enough to have a better understanding of who I am and how to deal with myself under certain situations. I have experienced the worst of me, and I hope to never unleash that side of me again. I hope to get a better understanding of myself and my wants v. needs before I leave San Diego. That's all I'll say for now.
Ending note:
I was listening to one of Pastor Paul's sermons this morning, and there was one line he said that I feel like it can be extremely applicable to our daily interactions: "The people you talk with, are they being encouraged by you?"
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