[jessefs]

Hello all! My name is Jesse and first off, let me say thank you for such a wonderful site! Here's the story heard a thousand times....

I am 25 years old and have always wanted to be a chef. Some of my first memories are sitting on the floor as a toddler, completely zoned into Yan Can Cook....it was like Seseame Street for me. My passion has always scared me a bit and i've let it keep me from all but being an enthusiastic home cook. I have come to a point in my life that requires me to embrace my love and follow my dream. It almost feels as if I don't have a choice, that cooking chose me. So, after years in front of this **** computer, I'm submitting applications and resumes to any restaurant that has a door and have also been visiting culinary schools this week.

I'm am more excited than a human should possibly be and look forward to the endless amount of learning ahead of me. Again, thanks so much for this site and everyones time. Hopefully I may be of some use in any form of contribution.

Jesse [feels like this]----->

[Booooze]

Welcome to the site.
It always takes guts to get out there and change or even begin a career. Feel free to jump in, and join our forums .

[Apprenticed]

Dear Jesse,

I know exactly how you feel... although I am a little further on with my new found career (done the culinary school stint thing and all that), I too still feel my chest swell up everytime I slip on my whites.

It's a tough road, especially on the physical front, as I find myself look at the youngin's with envy a few hours into a shift (the back, the lower back, the feet and the hands damit, the hands hurt like **** at the end of a day).

But I'm getting tougher, and I find comfort in the fact that I have the kids totally beat on the mental strength part of the deal... enjoy that, as you watch the kids lose it over the smallest, silliest things LOL.

My advice to you... is go get yourself a dam good Japanese Carbon Steel Vegetable knife... that's when the sexy really starts!

[Mezzaluna]

Nice to meet you, Jesse. I hope you enjoy the forums here. I'm sure you'll be hanging out in the culinary students' forum. You'll find answers to many questions you have as you wend your way to culinary school and your new career.

What do you enjoy cooking? What are your favorite spots to eat in Chicago? I LOVE the Windy City!

Mezzaluna