Trial By Fire

Training can only take a person so far. There has to be something inside each of us that training can't give. A work ethic that surpasses what the requirements are, a sense of responsibility to our fellow workers and our employer, a desire to achieve success through mastering our skill set. I had the luxury of some free time a few days ago, so I decided to tag along with my executive chef and learn from him what he was willing to teach. During our time together I learned of other students who have been through his restaurant. I got to hear about their strengths and their weaknesses. What we have learned in culinary school is taught in a controlled environment, for the most part there is no pressure. When you get that first job, put on the line, and believe me when I say, school is over, the pressure is on. This is the moment when who and what you truly are will show. Will you break and run? fall behind and fail the line? or will you walk through the fire and come out stronger on the other side? Those who wait till the last minute to find this out may have wasted their time and money.