So if you read blog post #3 and #4, you’re probably thinking why the heck is she doing another decision blog post…..well, long story short, my war of three schools was actually a war of four schools…..
With this new decision, I will be able to travel, come home when I want, and work while in school; 3 important things to me. You can ask anyone that knows me personally, this decision was one took an enormous emotional toll on me. I am a family gal who enjoys traveling, concerts, new adventures, and working so I can do these things! Going 12 hours away was going to turn my whole life upside down and if you read the last post, the lifestyle of NYC would have been a little bit of a culture shock for a southern girl like me.
Don’t get me wrong, NYC has my heart and I know it would have been an amazing experience, but looking 10 years down the road, it just wasn’t the option that ended me closest to my long term goal. I toured The International Culinary Institute at HGTC in Myrtle Beach, SC roughly one year ago, and though it was an amazing school with all new classrooms, state-of-the-art equipment, and great faculty and staff- I had my mind on NYC and nothing else.
I sat down and talked with a good friend of mine when I was really having a hard time making this decision and he really put things into perspective for me. NYC would have easily cost $80,000 plus including housing. HGTC costs under $40,000 including housing and living expenses. While the money is not the deciding factor, what changed my mind was that neither come with a guarantee that I will be outstanding in the pastry field…. that part is all on me. After explaining my pros and cons list to him, he said “once you get out of school, people aren’t going to come pay $3,000 for a wedding cake because they know you went to a prestigious school in NYC, they are going to pay that price because they know your cake is of good quality and your decoration is beautiful, it has nothing to do with the school, but the amount of work you put in.” This one simple statement put my whole decision into focus. It wasn’t the education that was going to get me there, it is how hard I am willing to work.
Now you’re probably thinking, but NYC would be such a cool experience and you’d meet so many people and you’re missing out on a once in a lifetime opportunity. Well, yes, it would be such a cool experience and yes I would meet so many people and yes, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity….. but, sadly, the cons outweigh the pros in this situation and looking down the road, the life I lead outside of work means so much more to me and this option will allow me to explore both.
I am 100% satisfied with my decision and it has taken me quite a bit of time to come to terms with the change. This also means that I will be back in town more often, I will have an amazing tan, and experience life in a different way. I am so excited and cannot wait until August 8th!