The rest of our lives lie on one big decision.
The decision of what to do with the rest of your life is a big one and should be one that fits you. The ability to make that right decision has only gotten easier with the many options to choose from whether it’s college, trades, or whatever is right for you.
The ability to chase our dreams becomes ever more possible after high school and is the main thing to strive for, no matter how hard the road is.
One student pursuing his dream is Gavin Stanton, a senior who plans on becoming a chef after high school.
“I’ve been cooking ever since I was young, and throughout my childhood, I have always wanted to pursue it as a full time job,” Gavin said. “I’ve now been cooking regularly for about 2 years as I have a part-time job as a cook in a restaurant.”
Compared to other students, Gavin Stanton is taking a very atypical route. However, the path to becoming a chef is not an easy one as it takes hard work and dedication.
“I’m planning on continuing to work at a restaurant next year to get more hands-on experience,” Gavin said. “Hands-on experience is very important in the culinary field, and I want to get the most out of it as quickly as possible.”
Becoming a cook can happen in multiple ways, whether it be slowly gaining experience or going to culinary school. Gavin has chosen to gain experience and work his way up in the culinary field while currently cooking at Mallards in Shakopee.
Gavin’s love for cooking was influenced primarily by his grandfather.
“I have always loved cooking, and I think that has mostly to do with my grandpa,” Gavin said. “I used to help him cook a lot of meals growing up and that has to be the root cause for my love.”
Gavin has two different end goals depending on what ends up matching him best.
“I hope to either own a fine dining restaurant as they appeal to me most because you can share your craft in a careful and beautiful way,” Gavin said. “If that doesn’t end up working, I would like to be a personal chef so that I still have full creative control over my food.”
Gavin knows this path is hard, but he is completely dedicated to succeed at it.
“I know that it will be hard, but with the knowledge that I have and the people who can help me on the way, as long as I stay dedicated, it will become fruitful,” Gavin said.
Another senior taking a more atypical path is Nick Hoepner. Nick plans on pursuing trades after high school.
“I like the idea of trades as it has a good amount of money in the business, but you can also help people,” Nick said. “It’s not the most glamorous type of job, but helping people with tasks that affect them every single day is a great benefit.”
Trades are a part of society that are desperately needed, but many don’t go into it.
Nick has a well thought out plan in order to make sure everything goes as well as possible.
“I plan on taking a gap year in order to make some money, so I can sustain the cost for the trade school without having debt,” Nick said. “Afterwards, I plan on taking a two-year course, which most jobs need or want, at Hennepin Technical College. If I can follow this plan, I can go to school and graduate with a job lined up and no debt.”
Nick, similar to Gavin, has also been influenced in this decision.
“My dad works a trades-related job, so I would say he is the biggest influence for me to go into this field,” Nick said.
Nick is very hopeful in this plan and is determined to make it work. He also has a great support system if something goes wrong.
“My parents have always been very supportive of me and will always help me out with whatever decision I choose to make,” Nick said. “I know they will be proud and happy for me either way.”
The future of our lives is dependent on the decisions we make and paths we choose to pursue. This decision should be one focused on chasing our dreams.
