As a Teacher
April 2nd, 2008Visited 461 times, 2 so far today
One of my main purpose is to get to teach the basics of what is really important in the culinary world. I have been teaching pastry for the past six years and it has been fulfilling knowing that your students are slowly climbing the ladder in becoming the best. Some are abroad working very well. Others are here just a few steps in becoming the head chefs in some hotels. It is truly overwhelming since I was part of their world, of their life, most of all, of their dream. I always want my student’s dreams to happen as much as can I try.
There are times that a student would make me stop and think about life, what has happened and what I have achieved. There is one student who a few months ago made me feel very special but later on I learned it was for the wrong reasons. But I did care and in the end I just got hold of my senses and made me realize what I was really getting in to. I don’t regret anything. I grew so much as a person, as a teacher and I started looking at others around me in a better way.
Two weeks ago, I was also amazed with my student, her name is Hazel. She made nine different desserts for her legacy buffet and she lead her group of three other students to finish it just in time. No complains, just pure work. All I heard from her, was “Chef, everything is okay and I will make it.” And she proved me right, she made an array of desserts, starting with, crème brulee, red velvet cupcakes, chocolate truffles, turtle pie, dark chocolate mousse, blueberry cheesecake, mini éclairs, strawberry meringue on chocolate, coffee chiffon cake and even had a crepe station with an assortment of fruits and sauces. I was extremely happy with all the desserts done by a student who had no prior experience in baking except for some cookie making. It also made me realize that this profession is what I really want, for it gives me the satisfaction that abundantly showers me with so much more than just words but emotions that is of no equal to anything else in this world. Ang haba nun ha….that’s how life has been….There is so many emotions involved but in the end the happiness can never be equaled. Take care, Hazel….thank you for letting me know through your desserts what I am to you and let me be your guide in whatever it is I can help you with.
Bookmark at:StumbleUpon | Digg | Del.icio.us | Dzone | Newsvine | Spurl | Simpy | Furl | Reddit | Yahoo! MyWeb
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:46 pm
chef, I’ve told you this and i’ll tell you again and let the whole world know.
It’s hard to be a chef but it’s much harder to be a teacher. To be a great and admirable one, you have to be respectable. You don’t only teach but you also listen and you learn to adapt. You find the best ways to reach out to your students and most of all, you care.
And for having all of these qualities and more, I salute you. Words could never be enough to express how much I admire and respect you. Not only as a chef and a teacher, but also as a friend.
I will always be grateful to have known you. =)
take care always! napakarami naming nagmamahal sa iyo.
April 5th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Hi, Chef. Very nice assortment of desserts there. Mouth-watering!!
Hope everything’s great wherever you are now.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Hi chef. It took me longer than I expected to comment on your blog entry. I honestly didn’t know what to say when I read it – but I mean this in a good way!
I was touched and very flattered with what you said. Thank you so much for the kind words. To be given compliments for our efforts is already something that’s fulfilling but it means so much more coming from you. Our buffet, especially the dessert part, wouldn’t have been like that if it wasn’t for all the efforts our class put in and for your guidance.
Chef, I think many of your students will agree with me when I say that you are great at what you do – as a chef and a mentor. In truth, I should be the one thanking you. Because of you and the other chefs, I’ve become better at what I love to do. We are very fortunate to be your students.
Thanks again chef and take care always.
April 8th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Chef, I’m sure you know this already but I just want to say that I will always be proud, honored and very grateful to have had you as a teacher. You are always so generous with your vast knowledge. Lessons you’ve taught me will always stay with me. God bless you! I hope you will never tire of teaching!
-JB
P.S. Tried emailing you but it seems your mailbox is full. I hope you’re having a great trip! See you when you return.
April 14th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Chefie, sinabi na nilang lahat! Thank you for everything!
May 14th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
chef jun jun, thank you for really bringing out the best in us. you truly have the gift to teach and inspire. you impart to us the discipline. i truly admire you
am glad you came up with your own blog and all the sharing…you are a blessing to all! keep it up