Yes folks, it's true! I am officially enrolled in the professional pastry program at The Western Reserve School of Cooking in Hudson. It's a part time program that'll take about a year and a half to complete if all goes well with scheduling and availability. Most of the classes are week-long, all-day series offered a few times a year, but there are some offered at night as well. I'll still be working full time and just take time off as needed throughout the year to be in pastry school. This is the best of both worlds because I'm not committing to any major life changes, and I'm taking classes I've wanted to take anyway. So even if nothing comes of it professionally, it's definitely not wasted time/money/energy.
The cooking school is located at First and Main in Hudson in the back of the Cookery (cooking store). Over the last few weeks, the kitchen has been getting all new equipment and appliances. I've never taken a class at WRSOC, but I've been volunteering there for a few months to get a feel for the classes. Volunteering consists of doing dishes during class and cleaning up afterwards. You're right there during class listening to everything with the ability to turn around and watch anytime. Volunteers get a copy of all the recipes for that class and every time I've volunteered the chef has given me samples of all the food. Oh yeah, and you earn credits to take classes at the cooking school and get a discount in the Cookery. They are always looking for more people to add to their roster so if you're interested email Kathy Myers (kmeyers at kent dot edu), she coordinates the volunteers.
Before Christmas I signed up to take Begininning Pastry, but I got a call yesterday saying that it was cancelled due to low enrollment. It was supposed to be next week, and they won't offer it again until the fall. Luckily there are a few classes I can take that don't have pre-reqs. In February, I'm taking Chocolates and Candies. It's the week of Valentine's Day so my family's packages might have some really special candy in them this year.
I'm really looking forward to starting pastry classes! I've been thinking about this for quite a few years now. I even took tours at the various cooking school options in Cleveland. I'm glad I made a decision and am finally making it happen!
PS Sorry no pictures, Blogger won't let me upload.
Amazing...congrats!!! Super excited for you!!!
ReplyDeleteHOLLA!!
ReplyDeleteWhen's the gluten-free baking class on your coursework agenda? :)
How fun! And thanks for sharing the volunteer option! What a smart idea!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I love how this gives you the ability to stay flexible while pursuing what you want to do!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! That's wonderful news!
ReplyDeleteSee what being sick does for you - it makes you miss big announcements like this one! Oh My Gosh!!! Congrats!!!!! I am beyond thrilled for you!!!!!!
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