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Drew Culinary Program Graduation
Chef Mimi & Chef Ash(Left) Chef Nick Barrington (Right)
Graduating from the Culinary Program was the first step of my journey as a chef.
I had my first speech in front of families, and it actually went better than I expected. Going into it, I thought I was going to mess up a lot or get stuck saying “um” every few seconds, but I was able to stay more composed than I thought I would.
It showed me that I’m more capable than I give myself credit for, especially in situations that feel uncomfortable at first. Even though it wasn’t perfect, I was able to get through it and communicate what I needed to say, which is something I can build on.
This experience gave me more confidence moving forward. I know there’s still room to improve, but now I have proof that I can handle speaking in front of people and keep getting better each time I do it.
Everything I’ve made that has come out at a restaurant level represents more than just a good dish, it shows how much I’ve grown in both skill and understanding. Over time, I’ve gone from just following recipes to actually knowing why things work, how flavors balance, and how small details can change the entire outcome of a meal. Each dish reflects the effort I’ve put into improving, whether that’s learning better technique, adjusting seasoning, or paying closer attention to presentation.
This process has shaped the way I think about cooking. I’ve learned to trust myself more in the kitchen while still being open to learning and improving. I pay more attention to consistency, timing, and how everything comes together as a whole instead of just focusing on one part of a dish. Cooking has become something I take seriously, not just something I do.
What I’ve made so far is just the beginning. It shows where I am right now, but it also shows where I’m going. I want to keep getting better, trying new things, and pushing myself to reach a higher level. The skills and mindset I’m building now are going to carry into my future and shape the kind of cook I become.