Pool Sharks, Culinary Queens and Lost Boys, Welcome to my World

I think there's some fable telling children that they will definitely know what they want to be when they're grown up. A lot of people switch majors, drop out of schools, transfer, etc. Not everyone has the perfect plan.

How do you tell if you're a great cook? I'd say find that impartial unbiased person and have them try something you've made. This would have to be someone you can certainly expect the truth from, and not a self-esteem boosting white lie.

Hey cousin it's Daniel. I think that is a good major to explore. Go with what your heart says and follow it. Follow your dreams and something good might happen you never know.

First of all i want to congratulate u on u going to culinary school. I want to begin to say that nick, u've had a lot going on in ur life espically these past couple years. u have to admit that u made some bad choices the first time around in college but i am rele glad to see that u have turned that around.

i think going to culinary school is ur calling. i have heard soo much about ur cooking abilities and i would love to see u use them. i also think that u shouldn't b worried cuz theres a lot of other things in life u can get worried about but making ur decisions is something u can stand by no matter how many times u think over it. We are all not perfect so jus go out there and give it ur all cuz wen u begin to succeed u will be a very joyous person like i remember u being. everyone beats to a different drummer nick and i kno u have tons of potential so jus go with it u'll never b the best chef u'll never b the most magnificent creater of foods jus go with it because i kno u will have a fabulous time doing wat u love.

U have soo many people behind u and in ur corner so jus go out fighting and work as hard as u can and hope for the best because we are pulling for u.we all love u nick and we want u to be the best u can be and still enjoy wat u want to do.

i love u nick and i hope u pull trough

Self doubt and boredom are part of the human condition. That said Nick, I have seen your natural drive help you to suceed on so many different levels. Whatever you decide to do, I know you will do it well. Culinary school serves your creative bend. I believe it will be a good fit. I see you opening your own restaurant someday. Twenty years from now, whatever you have choosen, do it well, do it because you love it, but always keep your friends, play your guitar and wrestle with your dog.

Hey Nicky-

As you may already know, I am the perennial procrastinator. I've meaning to write; there is much I‘ve wanted to say. I’ll start by saying you write beautifully. I enjoyed reading what you had to say. So, you don’t know what you want to be when you grow up? Welcome to the club; it’s a mighty big one. Several comments struck me as I was reading. In particular, one underlying theme and that is the want to be the best. How do you become the latest culinary genius you ask? I think more so than ever, our culture promotes an ideal of becoming the best. It’s an unrealistic, unnecessary and unnatural goal. Reality TV has become our new moral compass. With the onset of these manmade zoos, competition has become king. These shows are in fact the great misnomer in that they facilitate a false reality. Remember television sole (and soul) goal is to make the consumer feel dissatisfied with themselves. In this way, we will buy more stuff. What is more important is becoming your best. Becoming a great chef may mean owning your own restaurant someday and bringing joy to the people in your community. If you’re able to do that and provide for yourself, isn’t that all that is truly needed? Don’t romanticize, but be honest with yourself about what the job will entail. I say this because it’s a good idea to understand the down side of any profession. You are allowed to change your mind Nick; there is no permanence in this life.

You’re bored, I’ve been there. You look around in the bar (why is there always a bar named Shooters?) and you ‘see’ yourself. The fear is that you may stagnate, never grow and become just another bozo on the bus. Life is the perpetual pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, we have a culture that has promoted an instant gratification mentality. One small pill (or drink or smoke) can give you that quick fix and you’re instantly happy. Of course, it’s fleeting and you’re forever chasing a false high. For me, what I’ve learned is to incorporate all the things that make me happy, and then find the balance amongst them. Balance in life is key. Don’t stop hanging with your friends, playing your guitar or wrestling with your dog. And if you love to cook and create, you’ll find that the work is worth the effort. You will have self satisfaction, and that is more precious than gold.

I love you;
Anne

I'm 20 also and in the same situation. But you just have to realize that you have a lot of years ahead of you, so right now is just time to hang out

All great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-Albert Einstein

I'm also twenty and basically in the same boat. (Except for the Shooters part. The only time I've ever gone in those types of places was to deliver a package when I'm working. Dark, smoke filled rooms never appealed to me for some reason.)

It is hard when you don't know exactly what you want to do with your life. Especially if there are others around you who seem to know exactly what they want and how they are going to get there. I am about to earn an AA in accounting. Then I hope to transfer to a large university next spring. That is all fine and dandy, but to be honest, I have no idea what I want to do after I get my degree. I like math and numbers make sense, but I'm not sure I'm the sit-behind-a-desk-all-day type of person. Although I love working with children, but I'm not sure teaching is for me either. So I went for the accounting degree. Now I'm wondering if I'll regret that decision later. To top it all off, my younger brother already knows what field he wants to go into and even has a few specific jobs in mind. And, he is only in his senior year of high school!

I guess almost everyone has insecurities, especially at our age. So you're definitely not alone. All we can do is try to make what we think is the best decision and hope for the best. After all, everyone makes mistakes right? I've found that parents and other (older) people that you respect also give great advice and info. Good luck!

Generallee

P.S. As a native Floridian, I can see why you'd want to come back!

Nick , life is kind of like a series of trial and error , and i think you should start to look at it through an optimists eye . You might feel like its too late to start in the right path again but its really not . The thing i love best about you is that whatever tough obstacle has come your way , you manage to get through it with a smile on your face . Treat this the same way . No matter how difficult its been to get where you are , just remember that you have made it through . Your a few months away from starting culinary school which is your true talent . You might not know where it's going to take you but thats the mystery of life . You seem to have a real passion for it . You say you like to hang out with your friends and play with your dog and guitar , but you should ask yourself , "What do I LOVE to do?" . Thats what you should really be thinking . If you find the job the you LOVE to do , then that's the job thats meant for you . It won't matter what the money situation is as long as you enjoy it . It might be hard to put in the effort when its so much easier to chill back and relax , but in the end , its all worth it . Stay strong and positive , which i know from experience that you can do . I can't wait to see you up in Anapolis . (:

I Love You ,
Rae

Nick - Hey I am Sue's friend from FSU - not sure if you remember me or not but Sue asked us to post something to get you points for culinary school. I'm glad she did and we got to share in what you are going through in your life. I think Anne had a great response and it is so well written. I would just add that I remember so much pressure at that time in my life to pick the right field but the reality is most everyone changes fields after graduation anyway. Some enjoy a good run in what they chose - I did PR for about 15 years and had awesome experiences. Then got my masters in a different field and am enjoying that - part-time now as I chose to stay home with my kids while they are little. What I am saying is that all of life's experiences build on each other and as long as you are doing your personal best and enjoying what you are doing - don't worry about anything else. What could possibly be wrong with building on a skill you have - at the very worst - you become an awesome cook and every girlfriend/friend/family member forever more will love you for it. So you spent some money on it and maybe then you have to study something else - who cares - nobody can take away your education and experience. You will figure it out and you'll be awesome. You've got everything going for you - youth, good looks and a kind heart.

I would put all the self doubt stuff aside and go for it full steam ahead. If you really want to be the next best thing in the culinary world, then go for it. What does it matter is the road to get there is long or full of sharp turns? If it's your purpose, then you'll do it. I'd challenge myself to make a new dish every week and invite strangers over to eat it.

www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina