Culinary Institute of America Top Questions

To myself and to upcoming high school graduates the best advice I could give would be to explore! My first major in college was Dairy Management, because I always worked on farms and enjoyed it enough. However, it was not my passion; I found that it was exactly what I didn't want to do for the rest of my life. I would tell my young self to explore the job fairs, the available classes and programs to take. You're young, so try working in different job fields while your parents are willing to support you fully. Most people aren't born knowing what they want to do, so you need to find it. EXPLORE!

taking my self back to high school senior. My passion in high school was Culinary Arts. I am a very happy student and I love the kitchen. Being away from my family is very sad, however I was accepted into one of the best Culinary schools in the world. I would give a advice to anyone that if they have a passion for food reach to the top and learn new things and get a higher knowledge in the Culinary world. My goal since being in high school to to become a Executive Chef and own my own restaurant and to be able to make the most fabalous tasting food with my team. I was able to attend many competation with the ACF in many part of Florida. I truly was able to get a great passion and today I am happy that I have chosen the world of Culinary Arts. The Culinary Institute of America that I attend in New York is beautiful. We have beautiful restaurants on campus. I am very happy that I was blessed to be chosen to attend this awesome school. Our quote at our school is "We Speak Food" culinary Institute of america.

I have yet to attend college and only know about college life by living vicariously through my friends. I had moved to Seattle, Washington from a small Central Washington town almost directly after finishing highschool. I settled all plans to go to a community college there once the new year began. If I could go back to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to work harder at finding a job in Seattle so I could've stayed there. I would tell myself that you would be miserable living in Portland working as a nanny, even though I love kids and want to be a teacher one day. I'd make myself see that I need the college experience because I love to learn new things and need to be surrounded by peers.

If I went back in time and talked to myself as a high school senior I would say, "Don't be afraid to follow your dream." When I first started college I wanted to be a teacher, but my gut told me to do something different and be a baker, but I didn't listen. So I went through the first semester at a community college and I discovered I didn't want to continue so I stopped and applied to CIA, the original school I wanted to attend. I had to wait almost 8 months, when I could have just followed my instints. So to save myself from the tourture, I would say that I shouldn't be afraid that I wouldn't like it and just go. It would save so much time and money. If I had started then, I could have been a year into school if I just went. And if I still believed I couldn't do it I would reasure myself that it's worth it and that I would be so much happier and wouldn't have to deal with all of the drama of being out of school for 8 months.

Interestingly, when I was a high school senior my English teacher made all of her students write themselves a letter on where they thought they would be in five years. At the end of this academic year I will get that letter back, but if memory serves I had convinced myself I was going to NYU to play tennis and study film at TISCH. The reality of the path I have taken is so much more convoluted. Thus far there has been no college tennis, no NYU, two different universities, a year of volunteerism abroad and a major change so severe I have chosen a vocational institution. I remember waking up on my 22nd birthday and saying to myself I wish at 18 I had known what I wanted to do with myself, but now it's too late. Thankfully I brushed that off and am continuining to persue my goals. But that is my exact advice I would have given to a young me, it is never too late. Eventually you will find what makes you happy, often you just have to find what makes you unhappy first.

The advice I would give myself would be to enjoy being with friends that you will not see that often. Too much time with an unimportant boyfriend, separated me from having a really close relationship. Since that relationship has ended, I have been able to get to know them more and appreciate the time I have spent with them. I would also tell myself to challenge myself more and work harder. I would tell myself to be a little bit more independent and not be scared of being different. In the end being different is a good thing.

At the CIA, everything revolves around food; your math and writing class is even about food. There is also such a huge diverse group of people, from all over the country and even from others. The thing that links us all together is our passion and adoration of food. I would tell my high school self, to get ready for such a great experience, however, to also prepare for alot of work. This school breaks cooking into such a science and art, and you have to be prepared to apply yourself fully. You can't cut class, because if you do, you miss a whole technique that your chef will teach and there are no make-ups. Also, this school is not like a traditional school. I would tell my high school self to get ready to dress in business attire to classes not like we do in high school where we can wear jeans and a tee shirt. You can either come here and slack off and get absolutetly nothing from this school or you can take so much from each day and make this college experience all that it can be because there are so many opportunites here.

Advice from the future to the past: pay attention and be prepared. Life can get very hectic and frustrating for those just entering the world of adulthood. If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would advise myself these few words: Life is full of unexpected events, some good, some bad. Just keep your head up, remember that there are lots of people counting on your success, there are lots of people who love you, preparation is ALWAYS the key, and never forget to have fun.

First off I would like to make clear that I would not be fool enough to endanger the time space continuum by interacting with my past self. As much as a handful of words could forever change the outcome of my life and twist it into a depressing living nightmare to which there is no end. My one piece of advice would be to alert my younger self to the possibility of a career in the culinary arts. At that time I had no purpose in life and was uncertain of my future and I wasted many years studying various majors trying to discover what ignited my passion. Had I known earlier I could be years ahead with my studies and much more talented than I currently am. However I would have to tell myself not to enroll in classes for a few years and just to study independently or get a job within the field. Afterall, if I had gone to school any sooner then I would miss out on the great friends I made in culinary school who always support me.

Be a force of nature. You should never give up what you believe in, especially yourself. Don't think you don't have the time to enter contests or make a name for yourself, because you do. If you don't, someone will come in and take that opportunity from you. It's a competitive world, and you must be strong. However, always be friendly, you will meet some of your lifelong friends because you were the only one who would talk at a table full of strangers. You will catch people's attention by being assertive and confident, but be humble about your achievements while also taking pride in your work. Never let anyone make you think you aren't good enough. Prove to them that you are! Respect and develop a relationship with your chefs/professors because they will help you in the long journey they also endured. They will have wise words and a lifetime full of dreams to pick from. Be happy--enjoy a taste of the real world. Never falter and never lose the passion you have, for it will lead you places you never even dreamed of.

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.