In a world where TikTok trends evolve faster than you can say “everything bagel” or “avocado toast”, there’s a young and ambitious Gen Z’er stepping into the culinary arena, armed with a passion for flavors and a dream of conquering the kitchen. Meet Benito, a 20-year-old culinary enthusiast, who is about to embark on a life-changing journey — attending Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
Per an April 2023 article by The Art Career Project, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is No. 2 on The Best Culinary Schools in America for 2023 list and No. 1 on the StudyFinds Best Culinary Schools According to Experts list, based on an October 2023 article.
The following is a recent Q&A session with Benito, who shared his passion as a culinary foodie.
Q. What sparked your interest in culinary arts to be a chef?
A. I can’t say for sure what exactly sparked my interest and my passion but making people happy and freedom to employ my ideas has kept me here. I also had people encouraging me along the way and my true enjoyment has made it easy to push myself.
Q. What challenges or obstacles have you faced as you pursue your dream to be a chef, and how did you navigate through this?
A. There have been many things I’ve been asked to do that I previously had no knowledge of at all. The only way to really get through this for me was to look up recipes and use my knowledge to do the best I could. Also, there were times when I thought I didn’t want to continue with this path, and there were times when I didn’t think I could succeed. But, I continued to push myself into hard situations and find my way out of them.
Q. How does culinary education align with your broader aspirations in the culinary world?
A. College and education, in general, are not as prominent in the culinary world as it is in other industries. Most cooks don’t have a degree and never would go to school, but my aspirations to be perfect and knowledgeable led me there for the knowledge I might not be able to find elsewhere.
Q. What do you believe sets your culinary creations apart and makes them unique?
A. Genuinely it’s quite hard to make your creations stand out in modern-day cooking where everyone has done something at least once. I think my creations stand out because of the immense passion that I pour into everything I make. I truly believe when you eat my desserts you can taste just how much I care about your enjoyment!
Q. How do you stay updated on current food trends and innovations in the culinary world?
A. In the modern cooking world, it’s a lot easier to stay updated on current culinary events whether you are subscribed to online newsletters or just social media; you can see a large array of different food types and styles.
Q. What cuisines or cooking styles do you want to specialize in or feel most passionate about?
A. I love any and all forms of cooking, but I would have to say that pastry work is where my heart truly lies. It is what I’m going to school for after all.
Q. Can you briefly share a memorable culinary experience or a particular dish that you’ve created that you’re proud of?
A. One of the best meals I have ever made for myself would be filet mignon steak tacos or pheasant stew. The main thing about both of these dishes is the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Also, I’m happy to share that I am creating my first wedding cake and several dozen cupcakes for a wedding reception next month!
Q. How do you feel your story resonates with your generation in terms of values, ambitions, or struggles commonly associated with Gen Z?
A. I don’t typically like to associate myself with my own generation which might sound weird, but I tend to have different habits than most people my age, and I suppose I have an “older” outlook on life, in general. I do, however, think my use of technology to forward my skills and knowledge is something that is somewhat unique to newer generations.
Q. What does perseverance mean to you and how does it apply to pursuing your culinary career?
A. Perseverance means to truly never give up on anything, not just cooking. And to think outside the box to create solutions.
Q. You are a Gen Z’er; any advice for other Gen Z’er’s (or anyone) who are considering taking the leap to pursue their dreams in relation to perseverance?
A. I think that perseverance is the most important part of anything you want to make happen. As far as any advice goes I would have to say that you need to first find something you enjoy, and then it will be a lot easier for you to push yourself through hard hours and keep your creativity at its highest state.
Drive and determination
Interviewing Benito reminded me of my acts of grit and perseverance. The interview also reminded me of the true story of a 14-year-old boy, abandoned by his family and left to navigate the turbulent waters of life on his own in the film, “Boys in the Boat”. This young protagonist found solace and purpose in an unexpected place — a rowing team that offered not only camaraderie but also a lifeline in the form of financial support. In a field crowded with 400 hopefuls, he emerged as one of the remarkable nine who clinched a spot on the coveted 1936 Olympic team. The boys on this rowing team were a testament to the indomitable spirit of working-class youth determined to rewrite their destinies. In the face of overwhelming odds, they tightened the reins on their grit, passion and perseverance.
Much like the 14-year-old who discovered an unwavering resolve within himself, these young men showcased the steadfastness of true grit. The 1936 Berlin Olympics bore witness to their tenacity and persistence, as they forged ahead against all expectations, embodying the essence of perseverance.
This compelling true story serves as a timeless reminder that, in the face of adversity, those armed with perseverance and passion discover the depth of their grit. The “Boys in the Boat” not only rowed to Olympic glory but also navigated the tumultuous currents of life, leaving an enduring legacy of determination for generations to come.
Grit and perseverance to pursue your passions
Just as in the “Boys in the Boat”, we can all forge ahead to pursue our goals. If you have the steadfastness of perseverance and passion, you have grit. If you have the tenacity and persistence to pursue your goals, you have perseverance.
Unleash your perseverance by harnessing the innate grit within you and continue to push yourself, just as Benito pushed himself and the 1936 Olympic rowing team members pushed themselves. Whether you come from the working class or any class along the social stratum, anyone can pursue their goals with the unwavering resolve of grit and perseverance flowing through their veins. Whether pursuing athleticism in a team sport or artistic skills in the culinary domain, or anywhere in between, the pillars of grit and perseverance serve as an indispensable foundation integral to one’s character.
When allowed to run deep within as a fundamental aspect of one’s being, these qualities become a guiding force, shaping the path toward achievement across various pursuits.
Featured image: Photo by Anton Rybakov on Unsplash
Edited by: James Sutton
