A Great Place to Start
A new mod, a new set of challenges; today we saw a realignment of reality. As we prepare our students for their new careers, the soft skills or interpersonal skills are just as important as anything we teach with a knife. I sent a brave new group off to extern at their newfound careers just last Thursday. Friday, our staff was lucky enough to sojourn for an off campus bonding session. We came, we bowled, we ate pizza, and a good time was had by all.
Yet today, the new challenges of new classes reared themselves on just day two. Student issues that took a swift hand, sharp mind, and deft touch of the director; The purpose not only to resolve, but to learn and inspire. At the end of this particularly trying day, I was greeted with just one more thing, the tears of a student with life in turmoil; Just another time to show soft skills. I took this students in tears from the shame in the hall, to a room so they could share quietly and listen carefully. When the day ends with newfound desire, and student with one more day of perseverance, then we have succeeded. Today, with respect, I taught, inspired, advised, problem solved, motivated and in true Chef form at the end of the day; I still took out the last of the trash. Modesto is still an awesome place to start your new career.
And the final thought; as we just had our accrediting visit and board of health visit; I am reminded how awesome it is to work with great students and the best staff a culinary school could want. Kudos to all……often not given enough.
Chef Paul
