I am a high school student looking into becoming a chef but i have problems in school any advice

Hi Jawan,

This is such a great question. Being a chef is an amazing field and there are so many fantastic ingredients and opportunities in your area. Every time I go to a new city, I try to find out as much as I can about the food and culture of that area. I have met many chefs and new friends by going to farmers markets, food festivals, and supporting local chefs. It seems funny but a lot of times chefs and business people work together on community projects to help others. So while I am not a chef, I love to cook and I try to learn constantly about food, new chefs, and new ingredients to share with friends. It sounds like you really like food, cooking, and learning about new ingredients too!

To answer your question, when you love a career, going to school for that career, whether interning or formally training is much more meaningful because you really want the knowledge. Cooking is about art, science, and passion and I think you have what it takes. So start by checking out this article about culinary schools in Illinois (just to get an idea of what is possible):

https://www.bestchoiceschools.com/rankings/culinary-schools-illinois/

Becoming a chef is a very hands on experience: It might be that you do really well in community college program that focuses on this specific industry - because you are interested in being a chef. Be sure to take notes on what you like and don't like as you look at these programs. Visit each of the programs' websites. If possible go see the programs in person and try to visit at least one class or shadow a student. Many times these programs have an open house. It is really important to get a foundation in cooking techniques. You can get this in a class OR you can apprentice with a kitchen. Either way learning basic technique is important.

Becoming a chef is a process: try to find a job or volunteer in a kitchen/restaurant/food truck that specializes in the food that is most interesting to you. Social media is a very big part of food, so be sure to learn about how social media is used today to promote food and learning about food. Food is also about culture, history, and travel, so expand your knowledge by going to food festivals, and farmers markets, taking to chefs when restaurants are a little quiet, and be sure to try foods from all over the world.

If you can't afford culinary school at this time, go to the library and access PBS.

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is a television station funded by the American people and many generous donors. It is a great place to learn about food, culture, and travel. You probably get the Chicago PBS or Create channel on your TV. There are so many different types of chefs and food/travel shows:

https://www.pbs.org/show/pbs-food/ These chefs will show you many new techniques - try them out and master them. Then learn some more...

Also, consider starting a blog or Instagram account dedicated to food and share your ideas with friends, family, and fellow foodies. You are on a very exciting journey. Food is such an amazing way to meet new people, learn about new cultures, and express yourself.

I am very excited to see where this career will take you!

Jawan,

I think you should try to figure out what it is about school that is causing you problems. Is it simply that you don't want to be there , or, is it something more complex? Do you have trouble sitting still for so long? Is it that you don't know how to take notes or study? Do you have learning disabilities? Even nowadays, it is possible for such disabilities to go undetected. You may need to work with your school counselor to get at the underlying issues. This is important, because, if you are thinking of going to school to become a chef, you will want to make sure you do everything you can to be able to succeed!

Being a chef is about much more than cooking. Most successful chefs I have met also have other duties. This includes ordering supplies, making sure regulations are being followed (temperature of the refrigerator, non-slip shoes, etc), hiring, training, scheduling, working within a budget (there's that math!!!), menu planning, etc. You will need to learn about much more than food and cooking. Not everything will be interesting. So, it is important that you learn how to apply yourself to the "boring" subjects before going on with your education.

Perhaps with this thought in mind, you can start practicing now. Think about the classes you don't like. Try to apply yourself to those classes. It's not so much that you want to learn that particular subject - what you are trying to do at this time is simply learn how to learn! This is a skill that will help you be successful with later schooling.

Another idea is to think about joining the military. They can send you to training to become a chef.

If you really don't want further schooling right now, you can go to work directly as a cook. You can start in a diner/coffee shop as a grill cook, move up to a regular restaurant, then to a steak house or hotel restaurant, etc. It can be done. You will want to display good work ethic at all times: positive attitude, good attendance, willingness to volunteer for overtime, etc. Don't change jobs too often: about every two years is good. Keep looking for opportunities to move up.

I hope this is helpful. Best of luck!

Kim