To every graduate of a culinary program – the world is now your oyster. You are in control so don’t waste the opportunity to be someone special, to make a difference, to find happiness and fulfillment, and build a future to be proud of. You have invested some time and effort to get where you are, but there is so much more work ahead. You have a foundation to build on and many choices to make as you construct the future. Here are some thoughts moving forward. They might just provide a map that helps you navigate the next few decades as a chef and a person. Congratulations!

This is just the beginning

Food education will never end

This moment of pride

Is a call to commit

To find your niche

Where do you fit

Commit to intelligence

Commit to skill

Invest the time

Enjoy the thrill

Do broaden your horizons

There’s more to learn

Hang on to what you believe

Stay true for what you yearn

Separate fact from fiction

Don’t forget your true conviction

Be patient, be kind

Respect above all else

Respect is what you’ll find

Treat others fairly

As you’d hope they treat you

Be excellent always, it’s what you do

Think big, act small

Be that vision for others

Please pick them up when they fall

Work hard, be the example

Be honest and trustworthy

Let this be how you are perceived

Take care of yourself

Feed your body, mind, and soul

Ignoring this will take a toll

Smile a lot, laugh until it hurts

Life’s too short, embrace the day

Show other folks you know the way

Say please and thank you

Make someone’s day

Don’t let success go to your head

Give praise to many others instead

Treasure your family, treasure friends

Don’t hold a grudge, do make amends

Find your life partner

Take the time for joy

Balance is the best rule for you to employ

Go outside, spend time with the trees

Appreciate what you have

Don’t worry about what you don’t

Save for a rainy day, you never know

This simple act will tend to slow

The angst of surprise, the worry from stress

Planning ahead will make this less

Make your bed to start the day

This simple rule is there to say

I’m ready now, let’s bring it on

One step at a time

When opportunities knock

I’ll be prepared to seize the day

And know my life will lead the way

To be the person I’m meant to be

The one that other’s will surely see

A person fulfilled, A chef to know

What it takes to make a difference

What it takes to feel whole

PLAN BETTER – TRAIN HARDER

Harvest America Ventures, LLC

Restaurant Consulting

www.harvestamericacues.com  BLOG

(Over 800 articles about the business and people of food)

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