Community.

Community. One word but such a powerful thing. A life changing thing. I just watched the series finale of Greek. Yeah I know, its a guilty pleasure after a long day in the restaurant. But the last show really brought together community and friendships and how they change lives and last after everything else is gone. For a shallow show about Greek life at college they did a good job getting me to tear up.

I have been here in TC for just about two years. There are many different communities that I am a part of. Non of them as crazy as those on TV but life-changing all the same. I have my Bible study group who was there when I felt so alone. It was crazy hard leaving the mission field and entering the college campus. My bible study family were there saying “we love you” “we want to be your friend”. I don’t think anyone will ever know how much that meant.  The other group I have is my GLCI family. Now I’m in the final classes and looking at the end, I have been spending a lot of time thinking about all that my fellow Chefs in training have taught me. Through numerous friends in the kitchens I have learned how to cook with out a recipe (thanks Steph), how to break down walls of judgments about people (thanks Laura), and just recently how to deal with confrontation (thanks Emily), there are so many other thing that I have learned and wont be the same because of. It may not be smiles and fun all the time but community is growth, stretching and eye opening.

I thank each and everyone that has been a part of my life. Whether is was for a split second, a lab class, or a lifetime. I am who I am because of each of you. For me School is a place that teaches but I learn the most from the people. More and more as the days and years go buy I become a bigger advocate of community and getting into a group of people who will accept you and love you and cheer for you. Please if you are reading this and don’t have one of those GET ONE it will change your life. There is a group out there just for you.