Tuesday, December 23, 2008

still trying to get myself learned

If you’ve noticed that I haven’t said much about culinary school since my trip to Charlotte, it is with good reason. My trip was great and I really liked Johnson & Wales - it is a great school with good people and excellent programs, and it would be my first choice if I were to go to culinary school. But, as I suspected, I came away from that weekend more in love with Charlotte than with culinary school. I just didn’t have the “feeling” while I was there, and without that feeling I can’t justify getting myself into that much debt. It is a little sad – I would have really enjoyed culinary school, but I don’t think that I see myself doing that as a career (or any “career” for that matter). It would be exciting and fun, but the hours are also insane, which would make having a family one day more difficult (don’t judge me – a girl’s gotta plan ahead). I would still love to take culinary classes and learn more about the art of cooking, but I don’t see myself ever being an executive chef.

So, by process of elimination, culinary school is out. Now I am on to my investigation of writing programs. There is still Emerson College in Boston that is my first, though seemingly impossible, choice. I intend to visit sometime in February – I figure that if I visit Boston at the coldest time of the year, my opinion of the school won’t be easily swayed by the charm of the city. My other option is to stay here and attend UAB. Not quite as exciting, but definitely comfortable and convenient, with several surprisingly interesting courses. By the time I make all these visits and spend the money it takes to apply to schools, all that I’ve saved from my second job will be spent. That makes me incredibly nervous.

This process sucks. Going to college the first time was easy.

6 comments:

Elisa M said...

I am coming with you to visit Boston. Just so you know.

Anonymous said...

Boston is awesome! You'll love it. I'd like to live there one day or at least visit again. You'll have a wonderful time.

susan said...

I'm writing this wanting to be encouraging...but all I find myself wanting to say is that being a professional writer is extremely demanding too. Don't think the hours will be much easier, even if you freelance. Not to talk you out of it, just to be honest.

Angie Davis said...

i've been wondering what you were thinking regarding this, and i'm glad to hear that you are getting some clarity - slowly, but surely. i'm sure it seems like a long and 'long-suffering' road, but i pray that the lord is near and even brings much joy along the way!if you ever want to check out schools in the NYC area you have a place to stay!

Anonymous said...

Where will you work?

http://gawker.com/tag/great-magazine-die_off/

Elisa M said...

Hey Anonymous-if you are going to be discouraging, at least man up and leave your real name. If you were trying to be funny, I have no doubt you would leave your name so we would all know what a witty, insightful person you are. go rain on someone else's parade.