I Might Be Leaving For Culinary School Soon...............

[Afra]

Hey everyone, I have been in the process of communicating with a career school called Johnson and Wales in Denver, Colorado, where my boyfriend is. They have sent me information about the school and encouraged me to fill out the application right away. I recieved the information about 3 weeks ago; I hesitated about filling the application form out right away because of my financial situation. But over the month, I have been filling out forms for financial aid, Federal Aid, and the FAFSA. All of these are in the mail now. But I am nervous because of my hearing problem and the fact that I hate math because I have always been poor in this subject due to the fact that I couldn't hear the teacher in school. But I do have a passion for cooking and I really want to be a real chef some day, because this was my childhood dream. I do not want to go to the University and then have to drop out so soon because of this problem with math. I tried to homeschool for this by mail last year, but dropped out for this reason. They are helping me anticipate a Sept. '01 date when I can start my classes. Can anyone give me some good thoughts, advice, etc., here, so that I can easily succeed in the class for which I am leaving for Denver? These will be GREATLY appriciated!

Afra,

There was an earlier thread here regarding the math you will need in the kitchen. You might want to revisit that thread.

If you are that poor in math, maybe you could receive some tutoring. I know you are not financially flush right now, so you might be able to find some free tutoring. You might try your local school system which might have some adult ed programs. Or, you might be able to find a math teacher or a college student that would be willing to help.

[layjo]

(Original Reply by BigTallChef)

Hello my name is Chris and i am a second year student at Johnson and Wales (Norfolk)it is a rough school very good but rough, if you commit to it you must do it mind body and soul.

Good luck!

[ February 22, 2001: Message edited by: Layjo ]

Ciao Afra,

If you really want something bad enough you will do it. I also was not very good in math but there always seemed to be someone around that was more than willing to help out! I studied very hard before I took my entrance exams and then once I was in asked for a lot of help. As far as the hearing problem, don't even worry about that, the Executive Chef that I work for now has only 20% hearing in one ear and he is about the best I have ever worked with! Good luck!

[momoreg]

As I recall, the required math for culinary school was more the memorization of formulas, rather than being able to execute mathematical equations. If you are allowed to use a calculator, then all you need to memorize are the equations. For whatever it's worth. I didn't do very well in math, either, but I managed to get through the cost control class okay.

[Greg]

Actually, Johnson&Wales' curriculum now includes a math class as part of the academic portion of their program which includes some algebra. There is also math involved in the Food&Beverage Cost Controls class (mostly involving the memorization of formulas that momoreg posted about). However, the math class comes in the first year and the F&B class in the second; the first class will prepare you for the second
Afra, would I be correct in assuming that you did poorly in math not due to a lack of ability, but due to being unable to fully hear what was being taught? That being the case, just make sure that you ask for help when you need it; an important thing to do whether you are in school or working in a professional kitchen. Talk to your math teacher on the first day of class and explain your situation and they will be able to help you out or tell you where to go if you need help. Keep us posted on your progress and congratulations on a fine choice of a school!

[Afra]

Thanks for your advice, Greg! True, you are correct; I did poorly in math because I couldn't hear the teacher. I had such a hard time doing my math homework because I couldn't remember how to do the problems due to this fact. Thanks for encouraging me about Johnson and Wales; I was a little nervous about how I would be doing in my classes when I get there because of this poorness in math. I am thinking about the campus in Denver, Colorado; it was recommended to me by another student who is currently enrolled in the school, and besides, I would rather go to that school than any other because my boyfriend, whom I have known for 9 years, lives there. He is my first love and I am really close to him. My brother also has a job waiting for him in Denver and when he gets it, I and my two older brothers will move there. Again, thanks for your help and advice and I hope to keep you posted soon because I have been recommended to anticipate a Sept. '01 start date when I will be able to start my classes!

Afra,
I say you should definately go for it! J&W has many people on staff who want to see you succeed. There is a special student help center (I'm not sure the official name of it) that is part of the library. You sign in and out, so your teachers can see how hard you are trying. I think that can mean alot.
I, myself, am starting at Johnson & Wales Providence RI campus this fall. I was born with only one ear, so I think I understand your situation. Oh, and I'm pretty slow with the math stuff too. Maybe we can help tutor each other.
Please, keep me posted! I'd love there to be another female, hearing impared, baby chef out there!
Bright blessings!

HELLO AGAIN JOHNSON AND WALES HAS A SPECIAL NEEDS CENTER WHERE YOU EXPLAIN YOUR NEEDS AND THEY MAKE SURE THE INSTRUCTORS FULLY UNDERSTAND YOU'LL HAVE NO PROBLEM IN THAT RESPECT
GOOD LUCK

[Anneke]

Afra, congratulations on your decision!

It'll be hard but the toughest part is behind you now. My advice to you is to look well forward and not to dwell too much on your fears of potential problems (not that you should pretend they don't exist but don't let them drag you down). When I was in University, I had a tough time with Calculus. I went from a C- to an A by the end of the term because after a few weeks of being fearful and feeling confused and blaming the book, the teacher, my classmates etc, I finally decided to confront the teacher and fix the problem. I made him explain some of the exercises about ten times, but when I finally got it, I got it for good! So just nip it in the bud! If there's something you don't understand, fix it right away because it just gets worse if you don't. By the end of the term you might actually find that you enjoy it! Haven't you ever noticed that people who are good in math also enjoy math?

Bottom line, don't be fearful. You are paying for a service, get your money's worth. And enjoy the ride... You can do it! You'll get all the support you need right here!

[ February 26, 2001: Message edited by: Anneke ]

[Afra]

Hello again, everyone, thought I'd keep you updated, so I would like to let you know that my application is in the admissions process right now. My FAFSA form is also being worked on. Hehe, I am so eager to start, I wish I were at the school right now! I am still hoping to make it to the school this September!

[Afra]

Guess what, everyone? I just recieved a letter from Johnson and Wales saying that my application was accepted! hehe

[Greg]

Congratulations, Afra!!! If I'm not mistaken, you should be there at the same time as Logan (theloggg) Worley, another cheftalk member. How goes it with the student loans?

[Afra]

Actually I am applying for Grants; I have filled out the FAFSA form and I have recieved notice on Feb. 26 that they are working on this now. I have been strongly advised to stay away from those type of payments where there are always "I owe you's" such as the student loan, that have to be paid back. I am raising an appeal in this process to claim independence from my parents because I am under 24 and I was separated from my mother by order of the court after what her husband did to me(sorry I can't tell you what it is; its a private family problem). I am using this appeals process so that I don't have to use my parents' tax information to fill out the FAFSA form. I haven't gotten information on what the status on my FAFSA application is yet, but when I do I will let you know.

[theloggg]

Woo hoo! That's great! Are you going into the Garnish Your Degree program or the regular culinary program? See you in the fall!

logan