2013 at a Close

Welcome to the end of 2013 everyone! 

      Plenty of cool things have happened in Louisville this year. This was my first Derby season and let   me tell you what, if you have'nt witnessed the party for a horse race, look forward to it next year. The    whole city and beyond parties with firework festivals food and much more for over a week. I also feel I should give congrats to the winning horse, Orb. His name is Orb, its pretty awesome.                            
     Derby is full of NCHS student opportunities. With the next derby coming faster than you think, start talking to your chefs about getting involved with Taste or Derby and other events. It can open up many doors and  you can get early internship hours! Which believe me you want those hours! So make a        resolution for 2014 to put your skills and talents out there to get noticed and have a wonderful New       Year.                                                                  
     Be safe!                

Alexandra Leigh Cruikshank

The year is coming to an end and it's been a pretty exciting one! The transition from high school to college was really smooth and I've already made a few really close friends. I'm back in St. Louis with my family right now but on Sunday I make the 45 min flight back to Louisville. The break was nice but I'm happy that it was short enough that I didn't get out of routine. My classes start at 8 this quarter :P but thankfully they end at 2:30 so I have more time to do things after school. I think I will find a job this quarter since I rarely have much homework. I'm excited to go back and see my friends and teachers. Hopefully this year is full of new memories made with new friends! Oh yeah! And I get to start baking this quarter! I'm so pumped!

-Kate Richter

Salted Caramel Sauce.....mmmmm :)

As the chef in my family, I always get stuck making parts of any meal, especially sauces and desserts.  Someone in my family will bring dessert to , usually Derby Pie or Sara Lee's New York Cheesecake, and then ask me to "add some flair."  Throughout this past holiday season, I used one particular recipe several times.  Sometimes, the best recipes have the fewest ingredients; this is one of those recipes:

Salted Caramel Sauce

What You'll Need

• 4 tbsp   butter (half a stick)
• 1 cup   brown sugar
• 1 cup   heavy cream
• 1 tbsp   sea salt (adjust to your taste preference)

Flavor Enhancements (optional)

• 1 tsp   vanilla extract
• 1 tsp   spiced rum (or other flavored liquor/liqueur)

Process

1. In a sturdy sauce pot, melt the butter and the brown sugar on medium heat.  Use a whisk to combine continuously.  It is important to stir the mixture constantly in the beginning of this process so the sugar does not burn or stick to the pan.
2. Once the sugar is mostly incorporated (doesn't need to be completely melted) with the butter, add the heavy cream, and turn the heat to medium-high.  Continue whisking, and allow the ingredients to combine fluidly.  
3. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat again, add the sea salt, and simmer for about 5 minutes.  At this point, whisking continuously is not necessary but you will need to stir it occasionally. 
4. Add any other flavor enhancement and simmer for one more minute.
5. Using a tasting spoon, allow a sample to cool, and then taste to gauge your taste preference. Adjust how you see fit.
• REMEMBER: Caramel can be VERY hot and sticky, so please remember to allow the your taste test to cool down a little bit before tasting.
6. Remove from the heat, and allow your caramel to cool down a bit before using.
7. ENJOY!!!

Hayley Charron

My First Quarter

Well, my first quarter at Sullivan is over and I can’t believe how fast it went. I am completely in love with this school! I had to start out in Basic Skills, which meant that I had to do some basic culinary before I can go on to my major in Baking and Pastry. I had originally thought I wouldn’t like cooking at all since I didn’t see anything exciting about it; however, after a few weeks I realized I really liked it. My chef demonstrated everything before we did it so that it was really easy to learn. She even told me that I should consider pursuing a double major in culinary and baking. The whole experience taught me a lot. I get stressed out easily, but the chef was always there to answer questions, and after a while I just decided to start taking initiative and try new things. By the end of the quarter, my small class felt just like a family and it was sad to say goodbye! I’m sure I will be seeing them all around campus as we all continue our studies. I’m so excited to be starting off as an ambassador for Sullivan, and I can’t wait to see what the winter quarter brings!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Kate Richter

Well, finals week has come to a close and the holiday vacation is here. Looking forward to completing the next quarter and heading on into the world. The open house last week was apparently a great success, and look forward to seeing the new students on orientation day at the end of the month and sharing my experiences with Sullivan University with them. The great thing about this quarter was it was extremely challenging and I learned quite a bit. You can 'teach an old dog new tricks.'

Gil Haun

Easy and Delicious Dessert for the Holidays

Christmas is quickly approaching!  It's the time for family gatherings filled with loads of delicious food! Dazzle all of your family and friends this holiday season by stirring up something tasty!  During my Culinary Internship at Winston's Restaurant, Chef John Castro shared a recipe with me that I will always remember:

Cheffy's Secret No Bake Chocolate Truffle Cake

"What is the secret?" you ask.

Only FOUR Ingredients!

Complete in less than ONE HOUR!

Ingredients: 

1 pound   Chocolate   dark chocolate is best, in my opinion!

1 pint       Olive Oil   spend the extra dollar, and get the good stuff ;)

1 quart     Heavy Cream

3 cups      Cookies   your choice! I recommend Vanilla Wafers.

You will also need:   

sturdy sauce pot

mixer   you may also use the good ol' fashioned bowl-and-whisk!

loaf pan   standard is 9" x 5" but you may use any cake pan

mixing bowl   medium or large

whisk

spatula

plastic wrap

small sheet tray

Procedure:

1. Place the heavy cream in the mixer, and whip until soft peaks form, not quite to the consistency of whipped cream dessert topping.  Refrigerate until chocolate is ready.
2. Slowly melt the chocolate and the olive oil together in the sturdy sauce pot on low heat.  Gently whisk ingredients until smoothly incorporated, turn off the heat, and pour the mixture into the mixing bowl.
3. Using the spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.  Folding, rather than stirring, distributes product more evenly and creates a fluffier finish!  Once the chocolate-cream mixture gets to your desired consistency, stop folding.  You might not use the entire quart of cream.
4. Line the loaf pan with plastic wrap in both directions, allowing the plastic to fall a couple inches over the walls of the pan.  Pour the fluffy chocolate-cream mixture into the pan; make sure to keep the plastic in place.
5. Crumble your favorite cookies over the top surface of the chocolate mixture.  This will serve as the base of your cake once completed.  Feel free to make it as thin or thick as desired!
6. Now, fold the plastic edges over top of the chocolate, securing the mixture and cookies in place.  Refrigerate the pan until the mixture is firm, usually 20-30 minutes.
7. Once the cake is set, unwrap the top folds of plastic, place a small sheet tray over top, and invert the pans.  Now, your loaf pan is upside down on the sheet tray.  Slowly remove the loaf pan, allowing your plastic-covered cake to remain on the sheet tray.  Gently pull the plastic off, revealing your masterpiece!

   

If you get a metal spatula or pastry paddle and run hot water over it, you can smooth out any markings left by the plastic.  Also, if you would like to spruce up your taste buds, try:

• adding two tablespoons of flavored liqueur when incorporating the chocolate and olive oil, 
• adding candied fruit or zest to the top of your cake, or
• serving the cake with a fresh fruit coulis.  

The possibilities are endless!  Just have fun with it and impress your friends and family!

*** HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ***

Hayley Charron

It is Getting Chilly Out There

Hello everyone,

I hope this post finds you all well and warm. Since cold weather is here and is only going to get progressively worse, here are a few tips and suggestions to keep you on the safe side when driving.

1. Always wear a seat belt (duh, but still!)
2. Keep some food like crackers/nuts/cookies and plenty of water
3. Keep a coat and a warm blanket
4. Steer clear of any groves in the roads that could hold water/ice
5. Dont speed, especially at night
6. Just because you dont see ice does not mean it isnt there
7. Gloves would be handy, but if you drive with them, get a pair with some sort of grip to them, soft and slick ones can make you lose you grip
8. And above all be smart about it. It it is sleeting like crazy and there is no absolute reason for you to be out, dont go!!!

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and be safe!

-Alexandra Leigh Cruikshank

More Micro Food!!

Greetings all once again,

So I have been inspired more and more to make different foods in the microwave from scratch. My last post focus on items you can buy at the store that are made for the microwave, however I started working on more things from scratch.
Please use micro safe bowls, preferably glass and to get a towel for picking up hot items.

Corn on the cob

Run the cob with husk on under water. Wrap in a wet towel and micro on high 6mins. remove with  towel and carefully with out burning yourself and shuck corn. Feel the cob, it may still be stiff, wrap it back in wet towel and micro another 3 mins. butter salt and yummy in the tummy!

Pasta

Big glass bowel, your pasta and water and micro 10-15 mins depending on how thick the pasta is. Drain water, add sauce and micro another min and you are all set. Top with a ready to eat chicken from freezer or cooked from the store to add some protein!

That is all I have for the time being, but I am try new things every day to share with you!
Until next time,

Alexandra Leigh Cruikshank

Microwave Foods Tips

Hey guys, I thought I would share some microwave food that turns out pretty good with you guys for the dorm rooms.

UNCLE BENS'S READY RICE only takes 90s to steam in the bag. I tried it last night, pretty yummy.
PASTA SIDES is a brand of quick pasta with the dry sauce ingredients I had the alfrado one about a month ago and all it requires in a little butter and milk
CREAM OF WHEAT and COCOWHEAT and of course OATS are also a great food item for breakfast or whenever. i is just box instructions. Adding things like butter, sugar cinnomin etc are up to you but butter and sugar go well with the coco and the cream wheats. Oats is good with butter and cinnamon. 
JELLO! Yes make jello. Follow instructions on the back of the box. (for the boiling water just microwave till it is pretty hot it does not have to boil to work) and i am working on trying jello brand pudding in the microwave
RAMEN NOODLES just follow instructions. there is also a container that is a microwave safe steaming mug that works great for it. it is white with a blue plug for the steam hole, you can find iit at Walmart.
MASHED POTATOES there are microwaveable potatoes in single serve containers where boxed mashed potatoes are and they are decent potatoes, i suggest added a little butter salt and pepper and milk to them.
MACARONI single serve mac n cheese is also available for the microwave
CAKE! I worked out a cake recipe for a coffee mug in the microwave by experimenting with a duncan hines recipe, mine turned out better. 
mix 1 box of angle food cake and 1 box of a chocolate cake mix (i prefer the fudge cake) in a big ziplock bag and mix well.
it is a 2 to 3 ratio. 3 Tbls mix and 2 Tbls Milk (water works but it is more dry) 
mix in a coffee mug
microwave for 45 secs 
Vartatoions: Smores- melt cocolate in bottom of mug add mix and milk and mix well, push 1 marshmellow into batter and micro for 60 secs. top with a gram cracker
Reses cake crumble a reses and heat a little before mixing ito the batter. 60secs
Also you can make different flavor cake alltogether by gettng a different flavor cake mix, like redvelvet or confetti.

Have fun!

Please make these items in a glass microwave bowl. Cooking in Plastic/tubberware is not good, it could melt, get too hot and burn you or some cases contaminate food depending on the dish, so please get a glass bowl, some of these item cook for a long time and get hot!

Be safe,
Alexandra Leigh Cruikshank

Summer is Ending

I can not believe that I am in my last year of college! It seems as if my time here has flown by! I am so excited to see what my future has to offer. This quarter I started to take classes online and on campus! These online classes have been so time consuming and difficult but they have taught me not to procrastinate! Next quarter I will have two online classes and two night classes! I am excited to see how this works out!

I have also started doing cakes on the side at home! Working at Famous Daves and making cakes for close friends and family. I can't wait to start doing cakes as my actual job! Only time will tell where this crazy journey will lead :)

-Allysa

Summer is Coming to a Close

It is so sad that all we do every year is look forward to summer time with all our hearts, then when it comes it drops us into the cold and heartless winter too fast. Thankfully most of us get a good run out of summer first. I have visited family and went to Myrtle beach for the first time in 8 years, held down a great job and have survived another quarter. This is my 5th quarter and my 6th will end my Culinary degree with internship and start my baking and pastry all in the same stride. My labs have been so wonderful and I can't tell you enough how much I have learned and the foods I have experienced. I will be coming back from break early to help move in our new summer students and can't wait!
Happy Summer's End!
-Alexandra   

Temptation

I know a lot of friends and family that have the summer off from school right now. Sometimes it sucks to be stuck inside all day at work and school on such beautiful July days. For instance, I know that a group of about 10 of my friends are going to an amusement park next week and I can't go because I will be in class that day. The temptation to skip class and go anyway is huge! Plus I have even more family in town that are on vacation from out of country here. I really want to see them but I know I can't just drop everything to see them.


~Elisabeth Feeley

We gain the strength of the temptation we resist.Ralph Waldo Emerson 

A Wonderful July

Hey Everyone!

I hope that you all had a great 4th of July and found a great way to make that weekend great even with all of the rain. 
2013 is over half done for and yet it is still going to be full of excitement here at Sullivan. The holiday World trip is coming up soon. Aswell as Sullivan's got talent,  There is signs all over campus for it and more information can be found on Sullivan's Website, http://sullivan.edu/student-activities/student-activities.asp

Also, I have another helpful money saving tip that I use all the time. Dollar Tree! Dollar Tree everyone knows with all products at a 1.00 price tag, a lot of stuff that you need is there. Plenty of food items, soup, ravioli, yoohoo and plates etc. Also you can get your shampoo/conditioner as well as almost all hygiene products. They have cheap room/door decorations for any door competitors who love to make there dorm room door stand out, I know I do! And finally they have several items for school on sale right now! 
So next time before you head to the expensive superstores, try the Dollar Tree or the little thrift shop in the same stretch in order to save those precious dollars!

Have a wonderful day!
Alexandra L. Cruikshank

Back To Work!

Back to Work

This marks the beginning of my 5th quarter at Sullivan and so far it is going very well. I have started my Advanced Tech culinary lab, at first I wasn't sure how it would go, first week we have 2 surprise practicals and 2 tests. Not as bad as it sounds. My partner and I pulled off an excellent Béarnaise sauce when neither of us had made a hollandaise since basics! First try and no breaks, so that felt pretty good. Im looking forward for this lab to test my skills more than any other lab I have taken. This promises to be a skill toning 11 weeks and I am looking forward to new things.

Happy 4th of July!

-Alexandra Cruikshank

Finally

Being in the IT program here at Sullivan, you get to cover a lot of topics. I believe I have posted here before about all the programming languages you get to learn but I have yet to mention the other information we get to cover. We cover networking, security, both hardware and software troubleshooting, ITIL (which is a whole can a worms on its own), and so much more. 

My personal favorite subject is programming, least favorite was networking (that class was a pain for me). In the bachelors program you get to chose a concentration that you can minor in while you study. There are about 4 or 5 different options depending on your preference. I chose what is call the System Design and Application Programming. The final course in this concentration is call Software Engineering. I have been looking forward to this class ever since I saw that it was offered, and I finally get to take it tonight. I am very excited about all the new things I will learn.

Elisabeth Feeley

“You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” 
― Brigham Young

Bachelors Degree

Army cake I made for my boyfriends deployment
party! :)

   This quarter, I get to start my last Accounting class. After that, I am officially done with Accounting! I only have 3 more quarters left in my bachelors program which is pretty exciting! I also get to start on some of my electives this quarter! I recommend going for your bachelors! It opens up so many opportunities & I am so glad I pursued it!
   Many of you will be starting college in the next month or so! We can't wait to have all of the new faces around campus! :) It may seem difficult at first, but if you just stick with it, everything will be ok! The key is not giving up! All bad days come to an end! Just remember that! 
  A lot of us got the chance to do a photo shoot for Sullivan! I wish I could post pictures but I do not have any of them! It was so much fun & I am pretty excited to see what they end up doing with them! :)  -Allysa

What doesnt kill you, makes you stronger

This has by far been my most difficult quarter at Sulivan. But as difficult as it has been, I have learned so much and changed in so many good ways. Struggling through a class is so stressful but with the help of my teachers, I made it through in the end. Sullivan helps me get through in so many ways! Cant wait to see what next quarter brings! -Bryce Phillips

Busy Week

There have been so many things going on on campus lately. Last Wednesday, May 15th, there was the Spring Luau. There were so many booths that had lots of fun things to do. There were bounce houses, dunking booths, pie-throwing booths, and best of all free food! How could you pass up free food?

Professor Huntley covered in pie!

And after all those fun and shenanigans, there was the hiking trip this past Saturday, May 18th. After being stuck inside working, going to class, and studying it is great to get out every once in a while and enjoy some fresh air. An important fact to note for yourself is that for every hour you spend relaxing, you increase your productivity by 15% for the next three hours. That sounds like a great excuse to me to take the day or even just an afternoon off. Finals are coming up, not just for us here at Sullivan, but for many High School students as well, so be sure to take some time to de-stress yourself. A good grade may be important to you but your health and mental well being should come first.

Bye-Bye Spring.......and Hello SUMMER! 

Oh, How I Have Missed You!

     So, this quarter has been amazing. Between all of the food and the events, I can't wrap my head around this being week 9. I got a new job and got into the swing of that, handled derby week very well and despite the sun-burned had a blast at spring Luau. Here are a few pics...

Here is my fellow ambassador Maria and I at the Spring Luau. We were so tired after all of the dancing! 

One of the highlights of International this quarter is our brand-new tandoori oven (Sunken-in clay oven for the middle east areas) This oven is one of the coolest cooking devices I have ever used.

My friends and I at the 2nd chance prom at Gardiner Point. (Im the one in the front.)

For all of you new comers in June I thought that I would give you some helpful money saving tips.

1. Cut your dryer sheets for laundry in half. it works just as well and they last twice as long.                                  

2. Get the big bags of cereal at the store, its cheaper of more and it tastes just like the name brand stuff.

3. Looks for your school books online or ask around the school and dorms before you buy new ones. Most students at the dorms will sell or rent out their books when they no longer need them in order to make an extra buck.                                                                                                                             

4. Tuesday nights at most theaters are 5 dollar movie nights. (Rave along with Baxter Ave)                                                                 

5. For those who use these- Cut your make up remover wipes in half of even thirds depending on your amount of make-up. If I wear just some foundation I cut a 3rd of a sheet to use. It makes the wipes last a lot longer. especially for those of us who wear make up every day.                                                                      

5. Dont go off and blow your money on a ton of food. buy it one or two weeks at a time. I like to pick the sandwich of the shopping trip, either PB&J, Bologna etc and thats what ill pick up. Next trip would get a different food item.                                                     

6. GET A BRITA!!! I can't tell you how many bottles of water a Brita replaces. I have a big Brita for guests to have and a water bottle Brita for me. Comes in handy allllll the time.                                 

Your first quarter and your second you will want to spend your money. We all went through it, but try to set a limit for yourself. Remember, its okay to decline an invite somewhere if you are low on money or for any reason. Most of us learned a lot about conserving money in our time here. I wish I had been as cautious as I am now. Try to find different ways of getting what you want. Even getting a job (as much as we may not want to). If you get a job try to put a certain amout from each paycheck into a savings, you never know when it will come in handy.

I cant wait to meet some new people come June. I know you will enjoy yourself in Louisville's summer fun. Be safe!

-Alexandra Leigh Cruikshank 

End of the Road

It has taken quite a bit of blood sweat tears and studying, but I'm finally here. I have only a couple of quarters left and I will have my Associate's in Business. I have no clue what's next for me. But after finishing this milestone, I'm not worried about that right now. I am overjoyed! I have reached all the goals I set for myself, and I have no regrets. I hope all of my fellow June graduates and future graduates feel the same. It has been a roller coaster but I feel much more stronger, mature, and wiser. And I owe quite a bit of that to Sullivan. They are some of the best teachers and faculty there is. I'm very glad to have chosen this school, and I wish everyone the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Nikkos Layton

Hardest Quarter so far!

After seven long quarters at Sullivan, I have always encountered one or two hard classes. However, this quarter all my classes are a challenge. My schedule is usually composed of statistics Mondays through Friday, macroeconomics for four hours Tuesday nights, and two marketing courses online. This quarter is filled with papers, exams, and lots of homework. This is my first quarter in the Bachelor’s program and although it’s tough I am loving it. Every time I take a test, or a week ends I know I am one step closer to making my dream a reality.


-MARIA SALAZAR

Hard work paid off!

April 13th, 2013 was a very special day for me, the day that I will remember for the rest of my life, the one I had been looking forward since September 26, 2011 when my first class at Sullivan University began. Ever since that day the journey became harder, exams, all nighters, tough schedules, day, night, and online classes. What made me keep going? The fact that I want a great future for myself and family. I started at Sullivan in the business management program, but since I took my first marketing class I fell in love with the field, and quickly switched over. Getting to this point took forever, but looking back only takes a second. The final result was graduating Sullivan with the President's Cup, for having a GPA of over 3.7, and part of the Magna Cum Laude class. I am still at Sullivan pursuing my bachelors in Marketing and Sales, but honestly I could not have made it without my parent’s unconditional support, and my professors. 

Associate's Degree, President's cup and medal, and cap. 

My princess and I after graduation!

-MARIA SALAZAR

The newest addition!

Meet Maddie! :)

   Almost another quarter down! Next week in marketing we start preparing for our big presentations! Our group is restarting the company blackberry over again while launching their new blackberry Z10! The process has been a pretty cool one and I can't wait to see how it goes!
  Tomorrow is pre orientation! I know most of you all must be super excited to start this journey! Just remember, never give up! Even when you think you can't handle it anymore, keep pushing yourself! Days get better and you will be so glad that you stuck with it! We can't wait to see some new faces around the campus!
  Yesterday my family and boyfriend surprised me with a German Sheppard puppy! I am so excited and she couldn't have came at a better time with my boyfriend deploying! Since moving to college I have taken on a lot of extra responsibility! I have a new car, my own apartment and now a PUPPY! Its amazing looking back to where I started with never being away from home for more than a few weeks to now living on my own for almost two years! :)

-Allysa

One Step At A Time

After receiving the presidents cup!

Receiving my diploma from Chancellor Sullivan

Graduation!

It is already week 6 of this quarter! I feel as if it has just started! A few weeks ago I walked the stage at graduation and received my Associates in Baking! It was an amazing experience and I was able to share the moment with all of my friends and family. Its amazing looking back and seeing everyone that has stood by me through this college journey.
  I am currently finishing up my 2nd quarter of my bachelors program! The program is by far not easy, but with studying it hasn't been to bad! This quarter I am taking Business Law, Accounting II & Marketing! Marketing is so much fun! We had the opportunity to make a business plan and bring back a dying brand! Our brand was blackberry and it has been an awesome project so far!
   This quarter has been crazy with some things going on but always remember to put school first! Those who love you will stand by you if they truly care! Keep your focus on school & the end of the journey will be here before you know it! :)
-Allysa

Breaking out of my comfort zone

I think one of the scariest things for me to hear is "Public Speaking", The thought of getting in front of a crowd makes me sick to my stomach, literally. When I found out I had to take a public speaking class I was terrified and was dreading this quarter so much. Getting in front of people and reading or telling a story was honestly one of my biggest fears. I never thought I would be where I am now. After the first speech and receiving an A and being told by everyone in the class that I was extremely funny and entertaining made me feel a lot better about the whole "public speaking" thing. Now that I am almost halfway through with this class, I can tell how much I have changed by not being as nervous or anxious about getting in front of class. From the help of an awesome teacher to some great classmates, the Public Speaking class has changed me in so many ways and made me such a stronger, more professional individual.

-Bryce Phillips

Time Flies!

Hi Everyone,

I cannot believe that it is almost time for Mid-Terms! I am so glad that Sullivan University is on an accelerated schedule, it makes it so much easier on me when I take exams because the information is still fresh and on the front of my mind.

I am also looking forward to the Spring Luau that happens right around the same time as our Mid-Terms, it is such a nice way to break up the stress of taking exams. Sullivan University definitely cares about their students and really wants them to do well, by offering these fun, free events to students and staff, everyone gets to take a well deserved break and be refreshed upon returning to the classrooms. At the last Luau I won one of the line dance competitions, it was a blast!



Just remember, if Mid-Terms have you feeling low, throw on a grass skirt and dance until you feel better!

Last Quarter

This is my last quarter at Sullivan University. I went to Enrollment Services last week to pick up a Graduation packet. There was an overwhelming feeling of pride and accomplishment. I've come a long way in the past two years, and I've learned a lot. Sullivan was a wild ride, but I'm glad that it's almost over. I will finally be able to put everything I've learned, both inside and outside of school, to use. I have no doubt that I will be a success, and it's a blessing to have made it this far!

Thanks

Nikkos

Doing What It Takes To Do What You Love

Hi Everyone,

This last Saturday I had the opportunity to attend the Sullivan University Spring 2013 Graduation ceremony, it was so nice to be able to support all of my friends who graduated this last year. While I was watching my classmates walk across that stage and into the next chapter of their lives, I realized something very simple but powerful: as students, we do what it takes to be able to do what we love.

My mom always says, "When you're a student you can have Good Grades, a Great Social Life, and a Good Job. But, out of those options you can only pick two!" Being a student is a lot of work, late nights, big papers, cram sessions... but it's worth it when you get to spend 9:00 to 5:00 doing what you're passionate about.

I just finished the first month at my internship for the Event Management and Tourism program, I am a part-time Customer Service Representative at the Louisville Visitor Information and I love my job! I spend all day helping people plan their trips and telling them all about the fun things to do in Louisville. Not only is my job fun, but because I work for a branch of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau I now have access to career opportunities I would not have had if I was competing with all other graduates with no prior experience.

While you’re reading this, whether you’re a current Sullivan student, deciding whether or not Sullivan is right for you, or graduating in 7 weeks like me, just know that:

If you do what it takes, and you’ll be doing what you love sooner than you think!

Trust me ;)

Kellie Pina

Hello all!
Just stopping by to talk a little bit more about Sullivan. I am working on my bachelor's degree which makes it my 8th quarter at Sullivan. Classes are getting tougher and there is more studying involved! I miss going to the kitchens and the bakery but working on my bachelors has made me realize that I've come a long way in my education.
This is my first time taking an online class! So far it is not bad at all. A lot of people prefer on campus classes because you get more information and more in contact with the instructors but I have realized that online classes are just the same. On the online class my instructor was very helpful since day one of class. Its very open and I feel comfortable asking questions or discussing anything about the class!
-Mei

               International Cuisine            

     Greetings everyone!     
This quarter is my 4th! So I received my blues so excited about that! But I am really pumped about my culinary lab this go around, International! So far we have hit China and the Middle East. I wasn't sure    how I would like the class but it may turn out to become my favorite so far. It is getting hard to choose   with more and more labs under my belt, I like them all a lot! I am under Chef Payne's instruction now    and I am enjoying her teaching skills, she is entertaining and informative, if you get to have her you will love her! Here is a picture of a deep-fried Red Snapper! It was awesome!                                                

     I hope this got all of you food lovers excited!   

     Be safe and take care    

      A l e x a n d r a   L e i g h   C r u i k s h a n k 

My Amazing Week

This has been a great week for me so far, I just got my first job here in Louisville, KY at Louisville Slugger Field, which is where the Triple A team Louisville Bats play, as a Panini Cook. It should be a great experience for me with a great company for me as I begin to work my way up. My first day is actually tomorrow night versus my hometown team, Toledo Mud Hens, so hopefully it will be a great game. 

Also today in Garde Manger class, which is a cold foods class, we took a field trip to a local food purveyor. At Mattingly Foods we learned how beef and pork is broken down. we also learned about the history of the company as well as the several partners of Mattingly Foods.

Overall my week has been going very well and I expect it to keep getting better.

Until next time-
Brandon Way

Spring?

With spring break bringing nothing but snow here in Louisville and the cold weather continuing it can be hard to believe that it is actually spring. I am looking forward to the day where I can walk outside without a jacket and be comfortable. I know though that as soon as that happens that I wont want to be inside and getting school work done and concentrating will be just that much harder. I guess I will have to plan my life accordingly. Good Luck!

Spring Break

Panama Beach!

My best friend Amanda!

This has been on the of the most challenging quarters ever. I started my bachelors program, worked two jobs and was doing work with the team. They key to being successful is always putting school first and that seemed to work out well for me! Ended my first quarter of my bachelors with a 4.0! In a little less than a month, my friends and I will be walking the stage to receive our diplomas for our associates degree! I am so excited and can not wait! However, I know it will be a bittersweet moment because a lot of my friends are heading back home for good!
I had the opportunity to go on my first spring break vacation this year! We just got back from Panama City Beach! It was amazing! I love being in college and having so many different opportunities to do things I have never done before! :) I can only imagine what the rest of my journey in college will be!


-Allysa

Spring Quarter Here We Come!

Well everyone, we made it to Spring 2013. Somethings to look forward to this new quarter are Spring Graduation for our friends who have finished, the Derby Party, Spring Luau, Kart Kountry Trip, a couple of city walking tours and everyones favorite Ice Cream Social! Also the variety of events that Student Activities Committee will put on and if you live at the dorms, all of the great activities that our RAs will have for us. 

Want to get involved with groups, activities and trips? You can find the information you need and contacts here-

http://sullivan.edu/student-activities/index.asp 

If you plan on looking for a job like I will be, don't forget to check out the part-time job board outside A La Carte Cafe on main campus for great jobs suggestions. 

I can't wait to get Spring 2013 underway!

-Alexandra L. Cruikshank

Open House!

Open House turned out to be a great success! I hope everyone learned and accomplished what they needed to and above all had fun! I got to learn the ropes of being an Ambassador and get in some bonding time with my fellow Ambassadors!

Maria Salazar and myself before the tours began!

Hope you are having a great day!
Alexandra Leigh Cruikshank

The Business Life

Hard to believe this quarter is almost over! I feel like we all just started!! This was a tricky quarter for sure. Between Accounting exams and Business Law homework I had my hands full. Business law was definitely not what I expected. It's a very interesting class that plays tricks on your mind and teaches you things about a business and the world that you never even thought of. Its a tricky class but it definitely prepares you for the business world. So far so good though! -Bryce P

Time flies when you are having fun!

WOW! I cannot believe it is already the time to sign up for next quarter's classes. I cannot wait to meet those of you who will be new this year to come. However this past week we learned about glueten free desserts as well as Virginian Butter Cookies. I am also working very hard on the Culinary Arts Competition Team we are very busy getting ready for the Regional American Culinary Federation competition. So wish us all luck. Again, cannot wait to meet you all.



Brandon W

Speaking of Amazing... This Quarter!

Im half way through my third quarter and I have learned and achieved so much at Sullivan University! Including becoming one of your new Sullivan University Student Ambassadors! As part of my first blog post I thought I would show some of the baking items that my instructor, the wonderful Chef Woolums taught us so far this quarter. 

This is a carrot cake with an amazing cream cheese frosting and masked sides of coconut and nuts. This  was our first cake we did and it is still one of my top favorite things we've done.

Beer Cheesecake, and yes it was amazing especially when you paired it with that amazing pool of chocolate ganache! Or the Raspberry Coulis (Sauce) we also had that day. Also we learned how to do that super pretty plate painting with the sauce. 

To close this up I want to tell you about Cupcake Wars, used as part of a teaching exercise to get students to use team work to come up with their own creation cupcake using the knowledge they have gained about cakes and toppings. My team did a baked alaska cupcake filled with carmel, vanilla ice-cream and our surprise ingredient presented to us at the start of the war, Whoppers! We topped it off with an italian meringue. 






My name is Alexandra Cruikshank and I hope this got all of you future baking and culinary students coming to Sullivan pumped for when you start! 
                                                                                                                                     -Alexandra   

A New Beginning & A New Challenge

Sweet 16 cake I made this quarter!

    This quarter has been so exciting but challenging at the same exact time! I have officially started my bachelors program. The classes are extremely challenging but I am excited to learn about them! I am taking a night class this quarter for the first time ever! It is so different, but I am actually enjoying it. Instead of an hour class every single day, I go in on Mondays for 4 hours. I have one online class which is challenging and one class on campus! I absolutely love my Macroeconomics class!

Santa Christmas cake I made over break! & yes I did make the santa!

    This quarter I have the opportunity to be a TA otherwise known as a Teachers Assistant. I get to be in the lab along side of a teacher and actually help teach TWO different classes. I love doing it and can actually see myself being a chef instructor one of these days! I gives me public speaking skills and I get to sharpen my skills that I had already learned during my Associates Degree!

    This week we are getting started back into Competition! I am so ready to be back out there competing! I am one of the few veterans on the team as our other members graduated after we competed at the IKA Olympics! It is so bittersweet that they are all gone and we will miss them soo much, but I am excited to get a new team started back up! We are looking to compete in Alabama in April with a new team of 6 people! The journey there will a long one, but I am more than ready! My piece will be cake! Keep looking at our blogs to see how our lives at Sullivan University are going! :)


-Allysa Taranto

Certified Adult

I've recently moved out of the dorms and have a room of my own. The transition has been a bit of a change. I have to budget my time and money more effectively than I did before. My childhood days seem to be chipping away. I have one more quarter after this one and I'll be on to start my life. It's exciting and scary at the same time. I'm learning to trust my instincts and take advice from people who have been through similar experiences.

I've also been learning to let go of all the negativity in my life and everything that comes with that. I want to be happy and go great things and that is impossible if you don't have a positive outlook and backbone. I'm slowly learning to adapt to that, as everything changes around me. Fear for the unknown has kept me from acting on a lot of things in my life. I have to somehow learn to forget about my past and start anew. Be a completely new person who is ambitious and brave and all those good things.

I think the key to being an adult is separating the things you can and can't change and learning to live with the ones you can't. I'm trying to do that. But I'm still learning.

Thanks!

Nikkos