Culinary Institute of America Top Questions

The first thing I would tell myself is that things are NOT going to be easy. The bubble of school and a set schedule everyday is going to pop. I would tell myself that I need to be on the honor roll the rest of the year, and to join clubs and do extra community service. The most important thing I would tell myself is to be very proactive. On top of doing clubs and community service, which would present numerous scholarship opportunities, I would tell myself I need tons of practice decorating cakes. My advice would be to take classes and read books on my trade. Knowing what I know about college life is that everything is on myself, no one can do the things I just listed for me. I would also advise to not doubt myself. Out of high school confusion and self doubt sneak up, so my advice to myself above all is to believe in myself, and believe that what i'm working for will always be worth it in the end.

I would tell myself not to be afraid to work for free. The reward of learning is much greater than any amount of money in the world if you are doing something you love. Go to highly acclaimed restaurants and offer your time in the kitchen. If I had done this, I would have been more prepared and confident in my classes. Also, note to self: pay more attention in science. Biology and Anatomy are NOT useless!

Wow! I would probably tell myself to check into more internships.

When you graduate highschool you are going to be faced with many decisions, striving to choose the right path. However, you wont know if it's the right path for you until you try it. Don't be afraid to try things out. But be sure to make all of your decisions for yourself only. You are the only one who knows when you are truly happy and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Know that it's ok to change your mind 2 or 3 times. Don't be ashsamed. It shows that you're human. You don't need to grow up the second you are out of highschool. Do what makes you happy. If you find a passion for something, don't be afraid to go for it. If all of your friends are going to a 4 year university and your mom is telling you that you should, but deep down you feel that it isn't the right thing for you, it's ok. You aren't required to conform if you don't fit. Everyone is different. Maybe what works for your best friend from highschool doesn't necessarily work for you.

Zach i know you work alot at the lake placid lodge I strongly eurge you to make good money management strategies. You are going to need every cent when you go to school its hard to pay for school and every bit of money will help you make our dream come true. Deffinetly study hard the rest of you time in high school and cherish every moment you have with you friend cause that is one of the hardest parts is missing your friends and family. making new friends is sometimes difficult at a new place but if you smile and say high and spark up a conversation with someone it does not become that difficult to make friends. when your away from home it is hard to make healthy food choices in college. try and eat healthy and drink lots of water. Going to the gym will not only keep you healthy it is a good way to socialize and meet new people. Get involved with things that are going on around campus its a good way to network and get your name tossed around. remember to study hard and get good grades. Its all worth the work.

I would love to have a chance to go back in time and talk to my senior high school self. I would tell myself to only spend one year following bands and festivals around the country then go to a few major colleges and university. Get my degrees in education, culinary arts, roman history, business and law. Spend about eight years in college, travel and study abroad, graduate and have my own restaurant with -in three years and be teaching at the same time.

Take everything the school says and offers seriously. Listen and volunteer for every extra event. All the little stuff counts. When the chefs ask for people to stay late and help them out take every chance to do so. Join a few more clubs too. Another thing study hard and play when there is time. After college there will be time for everything else. Start your externship hunt the minute they tell you about it. Break yourself of the procrastination habit. It will be a large burden in the long run. Take the time to hunt for more scholarships and any help you can get. When you get the information on your roommate, start trying to get to kno him as soon as possible. Keep up your outgoing personality, so making friends remains easy. You will need them to keep your stress levels to a minimum. Last, do not ever give up your dream and do not let any hardships get in your way.

I wish I would've looked more into the Bachelors program at the CIA, because I wouldn't have done it here . I should've looked more into other programs.

Make sure that you choose a school where you feel comfortable at according to area, and number of students. If you do not like to be away from home, do not move far away or you will get homesick, which willl affect your learning abilities and ability to enjoy your campus life. I was able to choose whatever school I wanted without worrying about cost. That way you chose on the merits of the school. I knew what I wanted to do and chose a school that specializes in that one career. If you attended a small high school, really think about wether you want a large school with big classes or the smaller school with small classes and where you will be able to get to know your classmates and professors. Whatever you do, enjoy the process and check out all the schools you can in person, chcking out the campus and towns around it.

College life is full of diversity, individuals who walk to a beat all their own, and groups of people who are so unsure of themselves that they fall prey to an excess of peer pressure. If I could "go back in time" to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to stay true to myself and take a stand for what I believe in. I have seen so many instances where people doubt who they are and abandon all of their common sense and values because their "friends" say that what they believe is crazy or dumb. No one should ever make you feel like you aren't good enough or that you are stupid. I would tell myself that no matter what, NEVER change yourself or stop liking yourself for others. Friends, especially college "friends", come and go. You, and only you, have to be happy with who you are and live with yourself everyday.