My Culinary Journey by Sydney

My Culinary Journey by Sydney - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

Selecting a college major is a significant decision in a young person's life. This decision is rooted in my life expe­riences, intere­sts, and dreams. Despite being certain now, this decision has been an arduous one as I am historically a very indecisive person, resulting in many different periods throughout my life in which I have wanted to pursue other options. However, deciding to pick a major in culinary science is a result of my life­long love for eating and cooking food.

Since I was a child, I've been enamored by all aspects of food. As a member of the Jewish community, food has always held a significant role in my daily life, especially during holidays. Some of my favorite memories growing up were intertwined with food, whether it was whipping up batches of cookies with my mom or lending a hand in crafting holiday meals. These moments have solidified my passion for the art of cooking.

Throughout my life, I have enjoyed watching cooking shows. I have looked up to chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Alton Brown, Christina Tossi, and more. Their shows helped me to develop my love for cooking. One huge aspect of my personality that is channeled through these shows is my desire to compete and win. Therefore, in watching cooking shows, I have pushed myself to replicate challenges, and develop ideas which would result in me winning if I was a contestant, helping me to further improve my culinary skills.

As I grew older, my interest in food blossomed into a full-fledged passion. I found myself spending hours poring over cookbooks, experimenting with new recipes, and developing my culinary skills in the kitchen. Cooking became more than just a hobby; it became an escape from the challenges of daily life, and a way for me to express myself.

In order to further elaborate on my interest in the culinary field, I attended cooking classes over school breaks, which taught me knife skills, new techniques, and new recipes. I also attended a summer camp for multiple years in which I pursued this interest through cooking classes, which culminated in an Iron Chef like competition, allowing me to experience some of the challenges of a professional life working in kitchens.

I began researching and exploring the diverse range of careers available, in order to discover what aspect of the culinary world I wish to pursue. As I have heard from many, "You won't work a day in your life if you do what you love!" This statement inspired me to pursue a culinary major as it is an opportunity to combine my passion for food with rigorous academic training and hands-on experience.

As I look toward the future, I am filled with anticipation for the abundance of possibilities awaiting me. The idea of embarking on a journey to become a chef, opening my own restaurant, or delving into avenues like food writing, styling, or education ignites a sense of purpose and motivation within me. Armed with a top-notch culinary education from a prestigious university, I am certain that I will possess the skills and knowledge necessary to prosper in a dynamic and constantly evolving industry.

In conclusion, my decision to pursue a culinary major has been shaped by my life expe­riences, intere­sts,and dreams. Growing up in a household where food was the heart of our daily routine, my love for cooking has only soared as I explored different cuisines and expanded my culinary knowledge. With every step I have taken along this journey, my dedication to the culinary arts has grown stronger, driving me towards my goals. I am filled with anticipation as I continue to follow my culinary calling, eager to leave my mark in the dynamic and delectable world of food.