Culinary Institute of America Top Questions

I would tell myself to take every moment in, because at college so much happens, it is hard to remember it all. I would explain how at The Culinary Institute of Ameica, everyone becomes a family and there are so many people with the same interests and values that I have as well. Mostly, I would tell myself to stay on the track I was heading and enjoy what life brings!

Save up that money! Focus on what you really want and work hard for it. Never back down. Take a few months off or even a year before going straight to the CIA, work hard, save that money, potentially buy a used car and having some spending money on hand. Experience living on campus, the whole college experience for at least the 1st yr of college and after extern potentially look for roommates and find an off-campus apartment. Don't be scared and enjoy the little time you have in high school with your friends and family, you won't be spending much time with them after high school. It is ok to make some stupid decisions because that's part of life, learning from you experiences and doing something different when they come up again. Begin working out now because gaining those freshmen 15 pounds in the CIA it's actually 30 pounds! But most important of all, do not under any circumstance ever doubt on yourself, believe in your strengths, appreciate your weaknesses, and always keep your head up.

Dear Elissa, Hello, you don't know me yet, but you will in a few years. As weird as this may sound, I am you in the future, writing to myself in hopes of guiding you down the best path as you (we) leave for college. I know that in spite of your brave face in front of Mom that you are scared about moving across the country, making new friends, college level classes, and figuring out public transportation. I know you are thinking: "What if my roommate hates me?" "What if I can't find my first class?" I bet you are also thinking: "I can't wait to be in a big city where everything is faster, bigger, and better than here!" "I can't wait to make my family proud and make all the sacrifices worth it!" Life has a way of being the best thing that ever happened to you; and even though it may throw you a curve ball here and there, just believe in yourself and you will come out on top. Believing in yourself is the best thing you can do right now. Trust me - I did. See you in the future, Elissa

I would like to tell my self that take your time know what you want to do with your life first do not pick the first career choice that comes to mind it or what other people want you to do with your career choice its your life make the right choice for you .Also there are lots of information lots of help people who are there to help you succeed when you need help go out there and get it Do not be scared to get it help and believe in your self that you can make it. Last word always always go with your first instance do not dolt your self.

College is needed these days no matter what field you go into. Some were there is school for you to go to you must find it and go. You do not always have to go to a school that will make you go broke so start of a community collage and transfer into a school that will accept the most credits so you don’t have to spend as much. You will meet people of different backgrounds and customs don’t be afraid to learn something from someone else about a religion that is not your own you can always take the good and leave the bad.

I would tell myself not to expect the typical "college" experience. Outside of the kitchens and bakeshops, there really is not much going on. The weekends are boring and the campus is dead. I do love the school and the program, but life outside the school is really minimal.

If I could go back in time, I'd tell myself to stick with my education. I dropped out but got my GED when I was 17 but I feel I had stayed in school and worked harder at that time I would of had the motivation to go to college sooner. Instead it's taken me this long because of having a child and no time to finally make time for myself and what I want to do with my life. I would have told myself to take it slow and worry about myself. My circumstances were rough, I had to quit school and take a full time job when my parents lost their jobs, my mom moved to another city and got a job and I stayed and worked to take care of my 3 sisters and brother. Make sure they finished the school year and I became the mom for a while until my mom found a house and stability to move us all. But I would do it over again if it comes to my family.

I honestly don't know that I would attempt to give my-then-self advice. If I (me-now) offered advice, I (me-then) would have probably thought about it and then forgotten it and been distracted by something else. Always having been an experiential learner, I knew then that I would have trials unique unto myself. I wouldn't change a single interaction, day, or minute. Collectively those moments, while sometimes incredibly painful and alternately blisteringly hilarious, have led me to this moment. Those unique trials have taught me that few tools are more necessary than humor, faith, singing at the top of your lungs, and keeping close the things that move you. If anything, I (me-now) would have just listened to my-then-self.

It is not as frightening as you think it is going to be. If only I had realized the truth of that previous statement sooner. Leaving home for the first time and heading to college 1300 miles away, I was utterly terrified. As the hours passed on in our car traveling East, I became more and more convinced that I was making a terrible mistake. As we arrived at school, I remember this gut wrenching feeling of excitement and fear overtaking me. I knew in my heart of hearts that this was the school for me, and even if I made no friends and didn't fit in, I had to tough it out. Looking back now, I realize how ridiculous and naive I sounded. I would like to inform you, that college is not as terrifying as you think it is going to be, you will make friends, you will fit in, and you have nothing to worry about...(until finals)....

I would go back and tell myself that I needed to just relax. Also that I need to work at a faster pace and get ready for the rest of my life.