Topic: Becoming A Pastry Chef
EQ: What is the most important skill of a successful pastry chef?

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Senior Project Reflection

1) Positive Statement
I'm proud of my activities even though it didn't go like it was supposed to on the lesson plan. In senior projects, I'm proud of service learning because I had the most fun in that project.

2) Questions to Consider
a) I don't think I deserve a P because I had to pause a lot and think of what I was going to say. I knew the info I had to say but it was hard for me to voice it out.
b) To me, I felt like I did what I could for a P.

3) What worked for you?
I liked how we can pick our own topic. Service learning was a good experience for me and I feel like because I actually sought for that ROP, I opened a good opportunity for service learning relating to culinary arts for future seniors.

4) What didn't work for you?
Senior Project as a whole is very overwhelming. It was such a big strain because the way the projects were scheduled was all clumped up. For example, the week of my exit interview, we have a physics test, a math final and an I-search paper due. On top of that had to finish our 3-column chart and research binder. Help of all kind and from different teachers were great but you're already graded thus it's almost impossible to fix your mistakes.

5) Finding Value
I found an alternative for an expensive culinary school- my ROP. I also feel like I opened an opportunity for future seniors that wants to go into culinary but can't find service learning and independent component hours.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Service Learning


Literal
Culinary Arts Institute (CAI)
201 W. Orangethorpe Ave., Fullerton CA 92832 
714-502-5970


Interpretation
The most important thing I gained in my service learning is learning to make different kinds of desserts. I also improved my plating skills a lot. Also, getting my toes in the water for culinary school. This is important because now I’m a little ahead if I ever go to culinary school in the future. This school also gave me the opportunity to further improve my skills there.

Applied
My service learning in CAI helped me answer my EQ by having me experience first hand how important each of my answers are. Communication and common practice were a little challenging when you are working with people that are knew to you or are older. Food presentation was the easiest because you wee basically independent on that. 

Friday, April 27, 2012

Helping 2013

I interviewed JD Pabon on Tuesday (05/22/12) at 12:45pm. He is interested in culinary and specifically wants something relating to pastries.


1) What ideas do you have for your senior project and why?

  • I'm definitely doing something in the field of culinary, like pastry, because that is specifically what I want to major in college.
  • Since I have the same topic as his, I told him about my the hours he could get if he goes to the same ROP class I go to. I told him that it is fun to study pastries. I also told him to be careful coming up with his EQ. 

2) What do you plan to do to complete the 10 hours of service learning (working with an expert) which is due prior to senior year starting?

  • I'm looking if I can get hours from my uncle who owns a restaurant in the Philippines. He already agreed that he will let me cook in the restaurant.
  • I've been talking to JD even before this interview so had knowledge about the ROP class I take in Fullerton. About the hours he gets in the Philippines, I advised him to ask Purther about it. I also told him to not forget to take pictures for evidence.

3) What do you hope to see or expect to see when watching the class of 2012 present their two hour presentations?

  • I just expect that I learn something new, learn a lot, and see them have fun.
  • I heard about other juniors expecting a lot from senior presentations but not from JD. I asked him not to expect that much because not all of 2012 can still speak smoothly in front of a crowd. Of course, there will always be the nervousness. I also told him to just have fun and respect the presenters.

4) What questions do they have about senior project?  What additional recommendations would you give the 2013 student about senior project?

  • How much did you pay for the classes and you're taking a pastry class, right? When do they start? How can I get ahead in a way?
  • I told him it's all free- books, uniform, and the class. They start the same or a week later school starts. To get ahead, I told him that since he's taking a class at my ROP, he is good to go for his two Independent Components, and Service Learning. For research, he can start with the foundation since his mind was already set on pastries. 

Independent Component 2

Log of Hours
A Doc uploaded on Google Docs
click here
Evidence
Pictures of what we did in class

Literal:
  • I, Donna Mae Ratonel, affirm that I completed my independent component, which represents 90 hours of work.
  • I enrolled in advanced baking that goes over a much more cumbersome desserts.This class had better techniques, teams, and time management.  There were also a couple of one-on-one teaching because the instructor had less students to focus on. We were also taught more about making our own garnishes and different type of techniques.

Interpretive:
The class taught me better time management which is important to becoming a pastry chef. Communication was a lot easier but also because there were less people to communicate with. My creativity was challenge because everyone was stepping up on their plate. My instructor was almost always impressed with my work (plating and taste) which was really nice.

Applied:
Advanced Baking definitely helped me solidify 3 of my answers for my EQ. Chemistry was cleared up with making desserts that was made up different components that was fairly hard to do. Food Presentation was big in this class. I feel that I excelled a lot in that part. Finally, communication was easier and speaking up in a team went better for me, especially when I was chef of the day.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Independent Component 2 Plan Approval

1) Write a description of what you plan on doing for your independent study component.
I'm going to take the Advanced Baking class from the same school. Hopefully, they teach me more about the value of communication and organization in the kitchen.


2)Describe in detail how you think your plan will meet the 30 hours work requirement.
Since it's a class that covers a whole semester, it has a total of more than 100 hours. I'll have to attend class for at least a month to meet 30 hours.


3)How does your independent study component relate to your EQ?
This class will help me further develop and understand skills that is important for a pastry chef.