AWESOME!!! keep us posted!

Congratulations! That is great.

Way to go.Congratulations.Good luck finding a job.

Shelley

You scared me with that title!!

Congratulations!!!

Pat, I can't congratulate you enough! You'll have a job in no time. Wonderful news!

Nancy

Congratulations on your accomplishment! Well done. I have had Foie gras and truffles and enjoy them very much...the caviar is a whole 'nother thing! Best of luck to you in your new career. NancyLouise

Congratulations Pat, what a wonderful accomplishment! Sally

Fantastic accomplishment - Congratulations! Enjoy the moment. Hope that perfect job is waiting just around the corner...

/tricia

I remember you starting this program! Congratulations! I'm proud of you!

Sally

Congratulations Pat! It doesn't seem that long ago that you were starting but you've really stuck it out and accomplished your goal. Good for you!

Best of luck for a new job. Let us know how you do.

SharonCb

Congratulations, Pat!

It seems like just yesterday when you started! I am sure you'll land a super job in no time!

Linda

I agree it does seem like yesterday....but i am sure not for you!!
Congratulations! Enjoy the truffles, fois gras and caviar....and I hope there will be some champagne too!!
Linda C

Congratulation!!!!
Enjoy the goodies and hopefully there will be champagne.

Linda

Good for you!! What city are you job searching in? Best of luck!!

Grace

Pat, congrats!~ Judging by your pictures though you going to culinary school is like Bill Gates attending computer programming 101! You will find a great job soon and be on your way. Someday we will all be able to say "Remember when Ann T had time to post on GW!"! !!!!!

Duane

Oh Pat thats wonderful!!

I am so proud of you!!

Best wishes in all you do!!

Cheers!
Susie

Let me add my congratulations, Pat. I also remember when you started, it didn't seem like that long ago.

Now, get a great job and the members here will have to make a trip to that restaurant or where ever, just so we can eat your cooking!

Annie

Congratulations, Pat!

Wonderful news, Pat, and I'm so glad for you. Congratulations on sticking with your dream. Now, would you PLEASE come to Texas? We need you!

Hey Pat I hear Hell's Kitchen is looking for someone hahahahah!!! Do you watch that show?

Heartfelt congratulations on a job well done! And a nice celebration too!

Good going, Pat! Congratulations!

Jim

Way to go girl!! I know it may seem like an eternity to you but it seems like only yesterday that you decided to go back to school.

Good luck in your job search!

Sharon

How exciting! I'd love to be in your shoes! About 16 years ago, I started a program at L'Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, MD. But I got a job that took me to LA and I had to withdraw. I always dream about going back. I haven't posted much in the last year, but when I do pop on, I've followed your progress when I've seen a post.

Congratulations!!! Good luck with the job hunt!

Congratulations and way to go! Enjoy your treats! I'm sure you will find a job in no time.

Shelley S.

Congratulations Pat! That's wonderful. I'm not crazy about foie gras and I'll skip the caviar too, but I'd sure take triple on the truffles. Smiles. Enjoy your celebration. I hope you love it all.

Pat: Congradulations !!!!!
Now that you know how to cook ,
what are you going to make for me ?
I'll test it for you.
Lou

YAY Pat! It does seem like yesterday. Congrats on your Graduation and enjoy the wonderful goodies.

Congratulations, Pat! Good luck to you.

Yay Pat!!!! I'm so happy for you and all you've accomplished. Best of luck with the job search. Keep us posted!!!!

Tracey

Hooray!! Now the next phase--professional consultant to the Cooking Forum. Don't forget us.

Cathy

Lou - I'd cook anything your little heart desires for you. Whenever you want!

Shaun - No, I don't watch Hell's Kitchen - I'd have already slapped Gordon Ramsay and been kicked off the show!

I'm still working part-time for the lock distributor, but am still looking for a job. I really don't want to cook on the hot line, as my feet are bad (I have neuropathy - it is a residual side effect of when I was in the coma for 5 weeks in 2005). I'd really love to work for a major food distributor like Sysco or US Foods. We'll see - I'm not in a hurry. I sort of like living with my 86-year-old Mom and taking care of her. I know, realistically, that she won't be with us much longer, so I need to cherish these years with her.

I went to Culinary school because I lost my job. My EX had me arrested a couple of times and I lost my secret clearance with the government (I had that job for 20 years!). Culinary school had long been a dream of mine. And I also made it a goal because Erin, my 8-year-old daughter, needed to see that you CAN pick up the shreds of your life after an agonizing divorce and move forward.

My fervent hope, nay, my fervent PRAYER is that I can find a job in the industry and someday have a home of my own again. I lost EVERYTHING in my divorce - I left with the clothes on my back.

My new goal is to finish up my A.A. - I only have 3 math classes left for that. I have already applied for financial aid for the fall and it is in place. Once I have the A.A., I can continue on to a 4-year university if I so desire.

Thank you all for the good wishes. It means the world to me!

Congratulations and Good Luck!

Fantastic!! Congratulations on quite an accomplishment, you certainly are a wonderful role model for your daughter!
I'm happy to now say that "I know a professional chef" LOL!

Good luck with finishing up your AA and more, you're certainly on the right path and with your determination and competence, I'm sure you can do it!
Ellen

Congratualtions Pat. Bask in your glory! And keep on moving forward. I think you will be able to find something in the food industry if you keep on looking--eventually! I also applaud you for following your dream. You are a perfect example of when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Culinary school sounds like a lot of fun.
Big hug of congrats from me to you!
Lpink.

Pat, what a story you have. I have such admiration for you. First, congratulations on your graduation. I agree that you set an outstanding example for your daughter. We all know kids do what they see us do, not what they hear us say to them.

And do keep on with your college credits, too. You'll never regret it. I finished college in my early 40's and buikt a career for myself after that. Being self-sufficient is best feeling.

Your divorce sounds like an utter nightmare. I know marriages end (mine did) but I don't understand the need to hurt each other so badly. What's the point? Why not just move on?

I am so happy for you.

Way to go Pat - what an awesome accomplishment!

Sue

Congratulations Pat. You should be very proud of yourself. I hope you find the job of your dreams.

Ann

Congratulations Pat..I remember when you started...
And yes, good to show your dau what can be accomplished with determination..
Good luck, hope you find exactly what you want..

Congrats Pat! You'll never forget this experience, and wherever you go, this is a skill you can take with you! No one can take it away.

Whether you fall through with a culinary career or go on to something else, it's a passionate hobby/skill you'll always go back to. I did the exact opposite of you...I went to culinary school too, then worked for the goverment!!! LOL!

After I graduated, I got into the culinary field (sous chef) and realized how much hard work & little pay one gets for working for someone else, so I went back to school, like you, finished my A.A., then went on to a B.A., then even an M.A.! Now I work for the government.

I know in my heart of hearts that my passion is with food, but I know it will have to be on my terms with my own business, and I'm working on that (wink).

So, follow your heart, but you know how to be practical. The best thing is you did this ALL YOURSELF! Go Pat!

A late congrats from me too Pat! Wishing you all the best!

David