Life in the CIA: Post-AOS

In the past few months, I’ve cleared a major hurdle in my education here at the CIA, only to reach another one. Between April and August, I completed my externship and in doing so, was able to stay on campus and complete the rest of the Associates Program (AOS) here at the CIA. So far, post-externship classes have been really fun and informative. It’s all AM classes now and I couldn’t be happier than I am right now. I’m learning so many new techniques and working with all sorts of new and exciting decorating mediums. The one thing that has dawned on me now, is that my academic life here seems to be on fast-forward.

The first batch of classes, which lasted 6 weeks as opposed to the normal 3, went by in a flash. Now, the class I’m in is almost done and it seems like only yesterday that it just began. I’m sure part of this is because the group I’m in is very fun to work with and makes even a 7-hour class seem like nothing. And I’m sure that, the fact that I thoroughly enjoy the material being taught also makes the class go by much quicker. That being said, time seems to be going by and an abnormally fast rate and I only have a handful of classes left before my AOS Graduation on March 23^rd, a date that is now rapidly approaching. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I can’t wait for the next few classes in the AOS program to come around, but at the same time, I want to savor each one, because I know that they’ll be really fun classes (see: Chocolates & Confections).

That being said, I still can’t wait for graduation and what comes after. Many students opt to end their time at the CIA here, after AOS is done. Two years and then it’s off to the industry, which is a great idea, don’t get me wrong. I’m just opting for the other route, which means sticking around for the Bachelors Program. It’s another year of schooling, although more academic this time around. Classes such as Management and Accounting form the core of the curriculum, but there are electives such as Food in Literature, Anthropology of Food, and The History of The Americas that make the overarching BPS program that much more interesting. The one thing that really makes the program interesting is the Food, Wine and (Agri)Culture class and the class trip. To me and many of my friends, this is the crux of the program. As a part of this class, you get to visit any one of the following locations and study the culture and food of the area:

• Northern California
• Southern California
• Pacific Northwest
• Italy
• Spain
• France
• China

I feel like in addition to the trip being incredibly fun, it will really help in expanding your culinary knowledge, as well as help you grow as a person. Can’t wait for BPS.

Life in the CIA: Living the Dorm Life

Taken from Google Image Search

So, let’s say you’re a new student at the Culinary Institute of America. THE premier culinary college in the United States. First of all, welcome to the CIA family! You’ve made a great choice coming here!

Now let’s say that you’ve chosen to live on-campus during your time at the CIA. Confused? Scared? Don’t know anyone? Welcome to how I felt when I first moved in. It can be a little daunting being away from home and/or being on your own for the first time. I’ve been there before coming to the CIA and trust me when I say, I know exactly how you feel. It is a really scary moment stepping out on your own for the first time, believe you me. That being said, here’s some sound advice from someone who’s done the dorm-room dance once before. Hopefully, it’ll help you, if you are coming to the CIA!

• Find out who you’re going to be living with. The more you know about your soon-to-be roommates, the better. Now, I’m not saying stalk them like a creeper, but at least find out their names, where they are in the program, etc. Facebook is a wonderful tool for this job. Send a friend request, message, whatever. Bottom line, establish some communication with them before you meet them. It’s easier that way when you finally do meet face-to-face. Or, if you’re like my last two roommates, find out that you need a fridge, haha.
• When you do meet, find out the “Room Rules.” In the majority of cases here at the CIA, there will be 1 – 2 people already living in the room that you will be moving into. Don’t let that scare you. Sure, they’ve been in the program longer than you, but they can still be friendly. Still, it doesn’t hurt to find out what’s off-limits, who’s stuff goes where, what’s fair game for the room and, most importantly, who gets stuck with the top bunk. Sad to say folks, 99% of the time, that’s going to be YOU, newbie. I’d say that has to be the only pecking order in most rooms: new guy gets top bunk.
• Get to know the people in your class-block. As mentioned in a previous entry, the CIA has a block system of classes. As a result, many of the people you move in with, you will be seeing later on down the line. So, get to know them. Make friends. It’s going to help you out so much later on in the program when you’re split into groups of 2 or 4 while in class. This way, you know who you best work with, etc. Also, it’s great to have people to hang out with on weekends, during the week, etc. Fun times is the name of the game!
• Get to know your chefs! I CANNOT stress this point enough. Yes, they’re intimidating. Get over it. Many chefs here are very friendly and will often go out of their way to help you in and out of class. Stay on their good side and really just talk with them. They have some diverse and impressive resumes and many are more than willing to chat about the industry, recipes, etc. It’s a great way to form connections and even get references when extern or a job opportunity rolls your way.
• Find out more about the campus and the surrounding town. If you’ve never been to the Hyde Park/Poughkeepsie area of New York, it’s not a bad area. It’s wonderful during the Spring and Summer with all the local farmers markets. Great local malls, nice restaurants, really good local atmosphere. For you nerdy types out there, like myself, The Dragon’s Den in your one-stop shop for all things comics, D&D, Magic, Warhammer and videogames. Oh, and let’s not forget, you’re only a 45-minute train ride away from New York City. There’s always something to do in this area.
• Find out about clubs on campus and join some. This is yet another way to make friends and make contacts. There are a TON of clubs on campus so no matter what your likes are, there’s bound to be a club here that will tickle your fancy.

There’s my list! Hope you find it helpful! And if you really are coming to the CIA, welcome to the family!