NE Highlights and Challenges | Week #12

This is a class assignment that I write about at the end of each week called Highlights and Challenges. If you are new to my blog I am enrolled at The Natural Epicurean Culinary Academy in Austin, Texas and this is my online journal (among other things!).

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Describe: What did you find especially exciting, interesting, inspiring, satisfying and/or fun this week in the kitchen?

After a two week Summer break I was happy and excited to return to culinary school! Don't get me wrong, I did appreciate the break, but after a week and a half I was ready to get back into the program. 

The interesting thing this week was to learn about Ayurveda and to find out what my dosha is and doing my best to wrap my mind around it all. I've got two more weeks of this class and there is so much to learn and absorb. 

The other thing that I was happy to find out about was our upcoming final event. We all learned what job roles we are assigned to and I am one of the kitchen managers! I am happy to be working with my classmate, Rae, who is the other kitchen manager! She's great and I feel we can knock this even out of the park. Our team is pretty solid and I believe it will go well.

2. Reflect: In what ways have you begun to apply, develop or incorporate this and/or how does this influence your professional goals?

Keeping a positive, but realistic perspective for the remainder of this quarter will be good for me. 

CHALLENGES

3. Describe: What did you find especially challenging or difficult in the kitchen this week?

The challenging thing for me is learning and memorizing the different characteristics of each dosha and all of the new spices/herbs that I have not been exposed to before. 

4. Reflect: What might you do to meet and overcome these challenges or difficulties?

I've got to start studying sooner! I have already begun making my flash cards and I find those are helpful. I'm not in a state of panic, but I am aware that I will have to foucs more on this subject matter. 

Overall, it's been a great week!