Rocio
If I could go back in time and talk to the 17 year old version of me I would convice myself to stop being scared and become the chef I want to be. I love this question because come this May I will officially have graduated from High School ten years ago! Knowing what I know now I would not focused so much on what people would of said. The problem with being a senior in high school is that this is pretty much all you focus on. The words "what will people say ?" or the thought of "what will people think?" was the main factor in the majority of my descions , boy is that scary, teenagers are so powerfulI if only they knew that the power was with them and they should stop trying to fight everyone and focus on self improvement now that's real power! . Since I graduated from a girls, catholic high school whether consciously or not I was trained to follow the norm to be sucessful. As I turns out it's not the truth it is more amazing to go against the norm because it makes reaching your ultimate goal that much more satisfying.
James
Dear Jamie,
You will need to knuckle-down and really develope better study habits in order to survive into the 21st century. Start hanging around the computer trailer at school and spend some free time learning how they operate and stay interested as they will be the most important learning tool ever developed. The entire world will work with computers
You need to be very careful of how you use your credit as well. In the 21st century credit has gone amok and people are drownding in high-interest credit card debt. Used properly though good credit can and will open many doors of opportunity so pay all your bills on time and keep your balances low.
Finally I would counsel you to do whatever it takes to get to a place where you can do whatever you want. Once you have made the appropriate sacrifices in life and paid your dues you will find satisfaction in that which truely makes you happy. You may have to wash dishes for a few years but if you pay attention and learn from the bottem up you may very well own the business or even a corporation.
Ilse
If I can go back in time and give myself advice as a high school student from what I know about college is to take your problems head on and don't let anything stop you from anything. If you stand up for yourself and go for the gold then rewards will surely follow behind. The more you conquer your fears, the more courage and positive attitude you will have. The more positive attitude that you have, the more people will look up to you and success you will have. If you fail a couple of times then don't get sad because everything is fixable. Going to a vocational school of culinary arts will have its scary and breakdown moments but the more "I can do it" thinking the more you can actually accomplish it. Remember to live for today and look forward to tomorrow always.
Julia
Going back in time I would tell myself not to stress so much. My decisions that I make along the way will soon pay off. Never regret what you do for you will end up in a very good place, no matter what the challenge.