Blog 11: Lesson 1 Reflection

1. What are you most proud of in your lesson, and why?

I am proud of the lecture content I was able to provide during my lesson, I feel that I was very knowledgeable and through. A commendation that I received from a peer really boosted my confidence following my presentation. That peer had complimented me on my calm and  composure during the entire presentation, even when pressure began to rise.

2. What assessment would you give yourself on your lesson? Explain why you earned that grade using evidence from the component contract.

I think a fair assessment for the first lesson would be a P. I believe that this is a fair assessment because I covered all categories and requirements under “P” consideration provided via the  component contract. More specifically, I believe that I had effective volume/enunciation/tone as well as very thorough, quality research that was able to help me provide an informative lesson.

3. If you could go back, what would you change about your lesson?  How can you use that knowledge to give a better Lesson 2?

I would’ve liked to reserve time to rehearse my presentation, so I could have the information roll off the tongue easier as well as so I could estimate my timing better. That would be my biggest regret with the first lesson, not scaling down my content so I could get through all my points without exceeding time limit. For the second lesson I will definitely rehearse and analyze my content beforehand so I can deliver a more compact yet still in-depth lesson.

Blog 10 - Interview 2 Reflection

1. Please explain how you are spending your mentorship time (Is it at a workplace or somewhere else?  Are you shadowing?  Are you able to do tasks that are meaningfully related to the topic?  If so, what?  Are there other people who are experts in the location?  Etc...)

My mentorship takes place at my mentor’s residence, during this time I am able to shadow and then I get my chance to try out whatever is being taught at the moment. I usually get to do the prep and cooking process just as my mentor does.

2.  How did you find your mentor?  How did you convince this person to help you?  

My mentor is a close friend and almost like family to me, so acquiring him as my mentor was a quick and comfortable process, as he works night shifts there’s a good portion of the day that I can work with him.

3. How would you rate your comfort level with your mentor at this point in your relationship?  How does this relate to the time you've spent so far at mentorship/with this person?

The comfort level with my mentor is quite decent, it isn’t difficult to ask him anything. The only issue is that we’re both somewhat quiet people, but it hasn’t been a hindrance. Because of this, time at my mentorship was not pressuring but enjoyable.

4. What went well in this interview?  Why do you think so?  What do you still need to improve?  How do you know?  How will you go about it?

I think the interview went well, as the conversation became smooth and thorough, I was also able to follow-up with many questions even if I only prepared a few. Due to the comfortability with my mentor, it wasn’t very difficult to converse with him, so specifically with my mentor, I can’t think of much to improve.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BywLkIe5u8MDODYzaDdjYkpWaU0/view?usp=sharing

Blog 9 - Advisory Prep 3

1. State whether or not you currently have a mentor, and what the status of your interview is with that person (I have completed the interview, I have scheduled the interview, I have not scheduled the interview, etc).

I currently have a mentor but I have not yet scheduled my interview.

2. At this point, your research is probably guiding your studies toward more specific areas within your topic.  Name the area or two you find most promising and explain your reasons.   

Recently I have been looking into the fine dining aspect of culinary arts, which will be very instrumental towards my independent component. I have also been researching into different tips and techniques, whether it be for cooking certain styles of dishes or hosting guests for a dinner party. All of these areas will be very crucial toward my independent component and to reaching a further understanding and knowledge of my topic.

3. What kinds of sources do you think will help you in the next month to gain more research depth?  Where will you go to get them?

I intend to acquire more books to further supplement my research, I feel that such books would contain more concrete and reliable information than what I am getting online. I also believe that I'll be able to look more into specifics and specialties through books. I intend to hunt through the Cal Poly library to find my desired sources.

4. Write down a possible EQ.  Please don't worry about wording other than ensuring that it provides the option for multiple correct answers.  At this point, the senior team is most interested in understanding your thought process.

What element of the dining experience is most crucial to providing a level of satisfaction for the customer?

Blog 8: Independent Component 1 Proposal

Hosting a Fine Dining Dinner Party

1.  Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.

Initially I plan on scheduling more time for library research, as I want to develop my knowledge on the presentation of the dishes and entertaining a Fine Dining clientele. I also plan on observing my mentor as he goes through the same process of hosting a dinner party. Next I will be spending more time with my mentor to help me hone in my kitchen skills so that I can achieve the greatest efficiency and consistency during the very demanding environment of running a kitchen. Following the sharpening of my skills, I will go over the recipe-making and developing process with my mentor so that I may be able to understand recipes more in the hopes of making my own. With the understanding of recipes, I will then start to pick and develop different recipes to think and visualize what will work best, during this time I will also start to create my theme for the meal. Now we begin the experimental phase, first will be the experimentation of the individual recipes, recording the different results from each so that I can provide a consistent experience. The experimental phase will also include some small scale trials before the final product. Lastly, the time will come for D-Day, which will include final ingredients check, kitchen prep, meal prep, hosting the guests, and lastly short documentation/log/interviews.

   

2.  Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.

In order to show evidence of completing 30 hours during the Independent Component, I plan on conducting brief interviews of my mentor and any other subjects involved along the way, mainly to establish the educational and experiential value of my specific Independent Component. I would also like to document my work through photo and video content, in the hopes of providing an inside look at my Independent Component, walking the audience through the research, learning, experimentation, and eventually the final product. By documenting and sharing my Independent Component in this fashion, I will be able to satisfy the comprehensive intentions of this project.

3.  Explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth.

To kickoff, I intend to take a trip to the Cal Poly Library, in our first visit I feel that time spent there was to limited; therefore, it is of my strongest intention to schedule time for some thorough research at the library. Specifically, I plan on researching place setting, presentation methods, kitchen/table etiquette, and the demands/inner-workings of a fine dining kitchen in order to provide insight on how to prepare my kitchen and myself for utmost quality and efficiency. I am glad to say that my mentorship has been a very valuable resource to my cause thus far and I plan to spend a lot of time there in preparation for my Independent Component. In that time, I hope to hone in my basic cooking skills, as well as experiment with different recipes and cooking styles. Additionally, as my mentor’s experience led to the fruition of my Independent Component, I intend to work with him in creating the plans and menu for the dinner itself. It will also be important to practice the dishes and conduct trials of the dinner before the actual full-scale product.

4.  Update your Senior Project Hours log.

Blog 7 - Second Interview Preparation

The Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, where my mentor attended.  

1.  Who is your mentor and where do they work?  If their workplace does not reflect their expertise, what makes them an expert?

My mentor is Edward  Forte, works at CTI Foods which is a food manufacturing/processing company. My mentor also does work as an independent caterer, catering for private parties/venues or small orders, his most popular items are usually pastries and desserts such as cheesecakes. I should also mention that my mentor worked in the restaurant business for a few years prior to his current employment and is working toward starting his own restaurant.

2.  What five questions will you ask them about their background?

In my first interview, I had already interviewed my mentor, I had asked him some experiential questions and some on his career. However, I feel there is much more to learn and I think this can still be a very fruitful interview.

1. Were there any difficulties or obstacles you faced on your journey as a chef? What were they and how have they prepared you or affected you?
2. What are some goals that you set out through your journey as a chef?
3. Through some of my research, many writers have claimed that going through a Culinary Arts education isn’t the best way to start off a career as a chef. What are your thoughts on that perspective? How worthwhile do you feel your education was toward where you are today?
4. What was the most helpful, insightful, or inspirational lesson you learned while in Culinary Arts school?
5. What was it like to work in the restaurant business? What was the common agenda or procedure that went on through a day at the restaurant?

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Blog 6 - Advisory Prep

A typical view of what a chef's apprenticeship would look like. 

1. What has worked well for you concerning senior project this year?  What has made it a positive experience for you?   

So far this year, my mentorship has been enjoyable, really upping my interest in my topic, given that my topic is heavily based on experience, my mentorship has made it easy to build experience. In terms of research, I’ve been able to find some really intriguing information to help build a foundation of knowledge in my topic, also seeing many intricate recipes, has already led me to being creative and trying to make something new. My interview was truly something I found to be really helpful, especially the experiential questions that I was able to ask, learning more about my mentor’s journey helped me to see the possibilities and the work that goes into the field. I am quite glad with my choice of topic, as it strikes a good balance between a topic I am serious enough about but not to the extent that it would kill me, and also the fact that it is fun! Purely the experience of learning and working with something that is fun, creative, and tactile yet not having to use math or science (Other than measurements) has made the senior project worthwhile thus far.

2. What are you finding difficult concerning senior project?  How can you adapt to make that portion work better for you?  How might the senior team help?

In terms of difficulties, I haven’t experienced anything that is yet to concern me. The only matter I was not satisfied with was that I was not able to acquire any specific resources or contacts through my first interview. However, I am still optimistic that through more communication that I will be able to talk to more people in the field, as I feel that with the topic of Culinary Arts, it would be highly beneficial that I absorb multiple views and ideas from various experts. On the other hand, I feel that acquiring more resources won’t be a challenging task as it will just take more time and research.

Blog 5 - Interview 1 Reflection

1. What is the most important thing I learned from the interview?  Is there anything I would do differently for other interviews?

The most important thing I learned from the interview was the information about the different careers in the field as well as the education involved. Prior to this interview, I didn’t fully grasp how diverse the field of Culinary Arts really was and now I know its true depth and how much passion and grit you really need to work your way through. For other interviews, I would probably be more organized and prepared, and I would probably make it more formal and possibly film the interview. I would probably communicate with the interviewee beforehand to establish what topics we would cover so that conversation can be held more smoothly and to take advantage of as much information from the interviewee as possible.

2. Did I get additional resources and contacts?  What is the most useful?  Why?

I didn’t necessarily get any specific contacts, one in particular was mentioned and would be a great person to speak with but they reside and work in New York City, however the specific chef is a good friend of my mentor. My mentor suggested talking to local restaurants and in terms of small family-owned businesses, I could probably work under an apprenticeship. When it came to recommending resources, my mentor who I interviewed claimed that he had many cooking related books, and I am assured that I would be able to drop by and look through some of the books he owns.

3. What makes my interviewee qualified to help me?

I believe that my interviewee is qualified to help me because of his diverse work experience. In the span of 6-7 years, my mentor/interviewee has worked under different industries within cooking and Culinary Arts, restaurant, food production/distribution, and private catering. I also believe my interviewee is qualified due to his creative and passionate vision in cooking, those two traits he claimed are of the three most important in an exemplary chef during the interview. When I would spectate him cooking during the dinners he would host, I always see a focused and cultivated person, someone who is always on point, even during my mentorship he is always tack sharp, always knowing what to do.

Interview #1 Audio Link: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BywLkIe5u8MDRlp1Ty1tcVBXOXM/view?usp=sharing

Blog 4 - House Advisory Prep

Remy the little chef from Ratatouille gracefully decorating a dish with its accompanying sauce or glaze

Write a short explanation of what you are hoping to accomplish through your senior project topic.

Through my senior project topic, Culinary Arts, I hope to quench my curiosity in my topic and to hopefully develop more of a passion. I currently have many interests, but food and cooking has always been one that I’ve wanted to blossom. Since the start of my mentorship, I have learned some techniques, principles, and even some recipes; and over time I can feel my knowledge and interest continuing to grow. I don’t necessarily aim to be a master chef or anything like that, but this is truly more of a passion I want to acquire outside of a career.

Blog 3 - First Interview Preparation

The stunning presentation of dishes that I hope to learn.

1.  Who do you plan to interview?  Why?

      I plan to interview my current mentor Chef Edward Forte. He is quite an experienced chef, practicing his craft for 6 years now, in various forms, restaurant, catering, and entertaining. He is also a close friend, making for an open and comfortable environment for asking questions and having an intellectually developing conversation on the topic. I also feel that he will be able to introduce me more into my topic and he can probably refer me to fellow chefs or educators.

2.  Five questions will be assigned to all seniors to ask.  What additional questions do you plan to ask?  Ask open-ended questions. 

• What kinds of traits do you find important in an exemplary chef?
• How does passion for cooking affect your creations?
• What are the most important elements/disciplines in presenting food?

Blog 2 - Summer Mentorship

Plates of Eggs Benedict waiting for further preparation

1. List the contact name, phone number, and organization of the person with whom you volunteered.

Edward Forte

(951) 201-3541

Independent Caterer

2. What qualified this person as an expert in your topic choice?

     

My mentor graduated from the culinary arts college Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena and has been passionately working in his field for 5-6 years now. Today, he cooks for business and for leisure, he started his catering business from simple means and is continually growing; occasionally he plans and invited family and friends to themed gourmet meals, each is a new experience. A few traits that stood out about my mentor are his attention to detail, diligence, and desire to experiment and innovate. Seeing these traits present helps me immerse myself in the learning experience. 

3. List three questions for further exploration now that you've completed your summer hours.

• What are important traits needed in a chef?
• What are important processes and methods to practice toward becoming an exemplary chef?
• What are important parameters and factors to look at when experimenting different styles and dishes?

    

4. What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?

The most important thing I have gained in this mentorship experience is the necessity of precision. In many occasions I have seen that we tend to overlook some details, especially in time constraints. However with a simple wrong measurement, setting, or timing the whole sensual experience of a certain dish can be ruined. Constant precision and detail help create a consistent and impeccable dining experience. 

5. What is your senior project topic going to be?  How did mentorship help you make your decision?  Please explain.

My senior project topic is going to be culinary arts. My mentorship has helped me see the many skills and traits that I want to acquire and has helped me appreciate the hard work that goes into the delicious food we eat. Through observing my mentor's work over the years I have truly seen the beauty in the art and satisfaction that it provides. In conclusion, this mentorship has cemented my desire to learn the art of cooking. 

The completed product and it was delicious

Blog 1 – Senior Final Lesson/Interview Reflection

1.  What three lessons were most helpful for you to see, and why?

• Automotive Maintenance: This is a topic I was particularly interested in and watching it helped me see how feasible such a topic would be as a senior presentation. The presenter also showed confidence and knowledge in the topic, also giving a good hook on the audience.
• Editorial Publishing: This presentation showed how to have a very professional style and layout, in addition to good aesthetic. This presentation also had a fun yet well-structured activity that was a new experience and the presenter rewarded the winners.
• GPS Tracking: While I wasn't so enthusiastic to view this presentation, the amount of knowledge and persuasion was able to swing me around and become intrigued and more involved with the presentation.

2. List one thing that you learned about the senior project in interviews that will help you get off to a good start?

The most helpful thing I learned during senior presentations was to draw your audience in with a strong yet interactive hook/activity. 

3. What topic(s) are you considering, and why?

• Automotive Repair: I viewed a similar topic during this year's senior presentations, and as the presenter went through it, it made want to do the topic more and more. I was already considering the topic as its one of my biggest interests, but I saw how fun and rewarding such a topic would be.
• Computer Engineering/PC Building: While I wasn't able to attend a presentation of this topic, computers are also a big part of my hobbies and I tend to build or help people build computers. This topic would be great because while I known a lot about computers, I still have so much more to learn and I can get really intricate with the details. Computer engineering or similar would also be my likely career path.

4. What EQ do you think might be interesting to consider in guiding a project like this? 

AR: What are the most important fields of knowledge and skills needed to be a good, well-trusted mechanic?

CE: What are important qualities and methods to becoming a great computer engineer on the job?

5. What are some ideas you have about finding summer mentorship?

So far my only idea is making communication, I plan on contacting different specialist repair shops as well as custom PC buiders. A less likely mentorship would be through an actual computer engineer, that would be significantly more difficult to find as their schedules are work-heavy and are usually not working in Southern California.