This Is How It All Started…
Hi! My name is Shanty Figueroa. I am a Senior, majoring in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Communication. Through navigating college, gaining new skills and most importantly, adapting; I have attained one of the greatest skills of all time, Cooking! Now, you may be thinking “Ehh cooking is a cool skill to have, but it’s not the most important”, here is where you’re wrong.. Cooking is more than just combining ingredients and reheating them. It has to do with autonomy, self-reliance, and even inventiveness. You may avoid relying on takeout or dining hall schedules when you have the ability to prepare for yourself. You are in charge of what you eat, which is essential for keeping up a healthy lifestyle—especially during the hectic college years. Cooking is also a useful life skill that goes far beyond college. After college, whether you’re living alone or raising a family, being able to cook allows you to meaningfully support both yourself and others. You will find great use for this skill for the remainder of your life.
Throughout my first semester of college, I found myself grappling with limited and often uninspiring food options that left me dissatisfied and even skipping meals at times due to their poor quality. Faced with the challenge of nourishing myself on a budget, I decided to embark on a culinary journey and learn how to cook. Investing time in exploring recipes, experimenting with ingredients, and mastering basic cooking techniques not only transformed my approach to meals but also significantly enhanced my overall college experience. Learning to cook empowered me to create wholesome, flavorful dishes that catered to my tastes and nutritional needs, all while fitting within the constraints of a tight budget. The satisfaction derived from preparing my own meals not only positively impacted my physical well-being but also became a source of joy and pride. Additionally, cooking became a social activity, allowing me to bond with friends over shared meals and making my college years richer in both culinary and interpersonal experiences. So, as you embark on your culinary journey, remember that cooking isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about empowerment, creativity, and connection.”