Two weeks ago, I went into Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver to have my interview with co-owner Chef Tony Minichiello. Imagine my surprise when I was told I didn't need to be interviewed, that I was accepted into their culinary program on the spot. Chef Tony stated that I had submitted the strongest application that he had seen in 10 years! I was honoured to hear this and it solidified that I am indeed making the right decision in changing career paths and following my passion! To drive this home even further, Chef Tony was thrilled to hear that my goal in persuing my culinary dream - is to be a culinary instructor - something that he is very passionate about and is able to help me accomplish.
A little back story about myself and why I am taking this journey. I have been working in addictions and mental health since 2008, mostly in the non-profit sector doing counselling and outreach. While this work has many rewards and I am particularity good at it due to life experiences and empathic compassion, I am experiencing burn-out and personal health issues - leading me to the understanding that I can no longer give myself as I have been. Being a natural caregiver and wanting to nurture others - I have found a way to do this, and that is through food.
While I have many goals and aspirations, such as becoming a personal chef and to own Vancouver's first dessert food truck, something that I hold near and dear to my heart is to teach others how to cook, to be passionate about their food and where it comes from. Farm to table, seed to table, making connections, engaging with one another, all over a meal, the preparation of it, the harvesting of its humble beginnings. There are many programs that I look forward to being a part of, but first, I need the culinary training to get me there.
My only obstacle in reaching this goal is financial. Working mostly for non-profit agencies and paying off a large sum of student loan debt leaves me with next to nothing to get into culinary school for January 2014. With your help, I can make this dream a reality. The amount I am requesting is solely for my tuition, books, culinary kits and chef's jackets. I will be working 25+ hours a week to pay for my living expenses and bills while maintaining a full scholastic work load of 40 hours a week.
If you can't contribute financially, please pass this along to friends or well-heeled associates who you think can help. Its all appreciated, immensely. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
"Cooking is like love - it should be entered into with abandon, or not at all." ~ Julia Child