Last Friday marked a momentous occasion for Group A and our families. We’ve worked the last eight months in hot kitchens making impossibly great meals under some interesting, and often entertaining, situations.

As we were sitting in our chairs at 4:00 PM on a sunny Friday afternoon, I think each one of us felt a surge of excitement and pride. We had come together as individuals from such different backgrounds, and now we’re on the verge of graduating as a family. I’m so proud of each of my teammates who worked so diligently to reach this point.

Each of our names was called and with huge smiles, we stepped up on stage to thunderous applause. There the chefs placed gold medals around our necks, set a chef’s hat on our heads and handed us our diplomas. The photographer snapped a picture and the next name was called. And just like that, we were chefs.

I received a bit of a surprise when they called my name. Somehow – I have no idea how – I placed first in cuisine and first in pastry – a true surprise and honor. It took me a few minutes to get out my chair because I was in shock. Gingerly I got to my feet and walked up on the stage. Immediately Chef Bruno handed me a napkin because by that time, the tears had begun to flow. I gave each of the ten chefs standing on stage a kiss on the cheek and posed for my picture. Wow. Another moment that took my breath away.

After the ceremony, Group A immediate congregated to congratulate each other. Susan placed fourth in cuisine – a well-deserved honor for her. We took photographs grinning from ear to ear.

Instead of attending the reception afterwards, my mom and I raced off to Rue Cler. I’ve found the sweetest little apartment in my favorite neighborhood in Paris. I’ll be moving in the middle of December. It really is rather small, but quite charming with a well-equipped kitchen, wireless Internet, washing machine, cable TV and lots of closet space.

The previous day, I went to my Interview at Hotel Crillon where I’ll be doing my cuisine internship. After I completed all my paperwork, I asked if it was possible to go home for Christmas because I’ve already purchased my ticket. The woman in Human Resources looked at me like I’d just asked her for her first born. After a moment, she said, “Ce n’est pas possible” (It’s not possible) and expected me to just say okay. But my family and friends are important to me, so I took a deep breath and told her that perhaps this internship isn’t the best one for me. I rose from my chair, thanked her for her time. I don’t think she really recovered from the shock before I left the room.

At first, I was disappointed but after a half hour, I realized there are other opportunities. And now I can have the next two months off to explore Paris! The possibilities are endless…

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