Any parent will tell you, it’s never too early to start thinking about the future. Sometimes, the sooner the better so you can find your passion in life. Ivy Tech Community College gave some future chefs a chance to dive into the wonderful world of culinary arts by hosting an open house at their Michigan City location on Saturday.
Future students and their families were invited to tour the kitchen, receive information on the program, and were even treated to a demonstration of cooking, with some free samples of the finished product. Ivy Tech wanted to give them a glimpse at what the culinary arts program entails, and to show them that the degree has more to offer than some might expect.
“A lot of people don't realize this program goes far beyond the kitchen,” said Kimmie LaBarge, marketing director of Ivy Tech. “There are so many opportunities this program could lead to, even ones in the medical field, like Dietary Management. Our goal is to help students head towards a successful career, and we feel like we can do it by spreading more awareness of what we have to offer.”
When it boils down to it, the ultimate goal behind going to college is to continue learning. Cooking isn't always easy, but mistakes are worth risking when they create a chance to learn something from them.
“Mistakes are encouraged around here,” said Nicholaus Rajski, hospitality program chair. “When you make mistakes, we get the opportunity here to show and correct said mistakes, and instill better confidence in you to do the job.”
Rajski put on a great performance in the kitchen, giving those enrolling in the program a good idea of what's to come. He also gave attendees an invaluable piece of advice.
“Repetition is the progression to succession,” he said. “I have been in the industry for over 25 years and that has never failed me.”
Some prospective students who attended still have a couple of years to go before they’re off to college, but they already know where they want to be. Chesterton High School freshman Connor Engels grew up in the kitchen, starting out by helping his mother and eventually catching the cooking bug himself. He relishes coming up with new ideas, whether they turn out well or not.
“I am able to do a lot of stuff on my own now,” Engels said. “My specialty is my fried chicken. I would like to be able to open up my own restaurant someday and serve it there.”
The new semester for Culinary Arts just started, but there are still opportunities to enroll this spring. More classes begin March 16, 2020 . To learn more about the program, click here.
