Sizzlin’ Seniors: How taking Culinary Arts at THS will impact college life

When seniors head off to college in the fall, many rely on food courts and instant noodles for their nutritional needs.

However, the senior students in the Culinary Arts program at Tennessee High have a different perspective on future food choices.

Griffen Smith, a senior who plans to attend the University of Tennessee and is a current student in the culinary class, feels he is a better problem solver for having taken the course, and feels more confident leaving home with a new life skill under his belt.

“I know how to actually make food now and not question what I have in my pantry,” Smith said.

Under the direction of Chef Cary Sauls, who has been teaching Culinary Arts for fifteen years, seniors have not only gained an important skill in learning how to cook, but also a great mentor to teach them about life.

Senior Addyson Thomas, who plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University, feels that Chef Sauls has been a very valuable person in her life.

“Chef doesn’t just focus on culinary-based skills with his classes, but instead he teaches lessons that prepare you for the rest of your life,” Addyson said. “Nothing I’ve learned about food is more valuable than the real-world skills I’ve gained just by talking to Chef.”

These students did not just learn how to cook; they learned how to analyze and adapt to complications they may face in the future.

“[I’ve learned how to] just kind of look at a bunch of things and then figure out what the problem is and how to fix it,” Smith said.

Problem-solving and common sense are skills that college students need now more than ever, and these are being taught in Chef Sauls’ class. Alongside these mental skills, they are gaining a useful skill to improve their physical health.

“The biggest thing is, it gives them a life skill,” Sauls said. “It gives them the ability to cook for themselves so they can survive on their own.”

Chef Sauls feels that even if they do not plan to go into the culinary field, it is still important to learn basic cooking skills.

“It also gives them an opportunity to learn the field, and they can work in the field as they go through college,” Sauls said. Maybe it’s not the field they want to go into. But they do have the skills to work there.”

Although Thomas plans to be a commercial pilot and not a chef, she still feels that it was important for her to take Culinary Arts.

“Chef Sauls is more than just a teacher. He has become a great mentor to me.” Addyson said. “Although I don’t plan to go into the culinary field, being a part of the culinary program has taught me how to prepare a variety of different meals.”

Not only is culinary arts important to those wanting to continue working in kitchens, but it is also important in everyday life.

Everyone needs to eat, but cooking is not always easy. Sometimes novice cooks ponder, “How much do I use this?” or “Is this safe to eat?” when rifling through your fridge. This can be especially hard for young adults who are living alone for the first time. Cooking by oneself requires patience, maturity, and a recipe.

“I feel much more confident in the kitchen which will be important as I move out and prepare to live on my own,” Thomas said.