2004-2005 Recipient Updates

(Kristi Larsen, Kristin Spidahl, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

This is the first in a series of articles written by students who received scholarships in 2004 awarded through the Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars chapter. The purpose of these articles is to thank the community for its support of students and their higher education goals.

By Kristi Larsen

Hello from Wisconsin! I started school at Marquette University in late August. Since then, I've come to realize many things! Before I go into all of that, I would like to thank Dollars for Scholars and everyone who is supporting them; I really appreciate what you have given me!

My classes here are more challenging than I expected, but that's a good thing! My major, as of now, is International Affairs. My classes that pertain to that major are interesting, and I feel like I'm learning a lot. Of course, I am a procrastinator like pretty much every other student, but I'm working on it. Even though the classes are difficult, I have to admit that what I was worried about the most was living with two complete strangers. I was so happy when my roommates and I started to get to know each other and realized that we weren't too crazy.

I am slowly meeting new people here. The two other people on campus who are brave enough to wear Vikings jerseys and I get along really well! I have people in my classes from all around the country, and the world. It has been really fun to explore the city with my new friends; we have been finding out interesting facts about Wisconsin. For instance, every Friday the entire city smells of frying fish, and people call drinking fountains "bubblers." Would you believe that I haven't met anyone who knows what lefsa is? I think it is very strange that people here think that I have an accent; I am only one state away!

Living in Milwaukee is a big change from Fergus Falls! It’s hard for me to get used to all of the noise, especially the sirens and horns at night. There are many more opportunities for "big" entertainment though. I've already seen Olympian gymnasts on tour, and a Gavin DeGraw concert. Of course, our Division 1 basketball team is very big here. I can't wait for the games to start! My roommates and I have had a lot of fun adventures, but I do miss Fergus Falls. I have a new found appreciation for its sense of community and beautiful open space! I'm excited to come back home for the holidays, especially to see my family and friends. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I'm working my way through school, and thanks again!

Kristi Larsen of Fergus Falls is a 2004 graduate of Fergus Falls High School and was the recipient of the VFW Scholarship. She is a freshman at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For information on creating a named scholarship, contact Fergus Falls Dollars for Scholars, 4B East Drive, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.

This is another in a series of articles written by students who received scholarships in 2004 awarded through the Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars chapter. The purpose of these articles is to thank the community for its support of students and their higher education goals.

By Kristin Spidahl

On my short drive to school I look around me and see the deep desert hues of Camelback Mountain contrasting with the indigo sky, palm trees, and cacti, as well as several college aged and retirement aged people. Anything a person could want is within a seven-minute drive. The weather is very predictable—sunny, hot, and dry. This is Scottsdale, Arizona, where I have been living and going to Scottsdale Culinary Institute for three weeks.

Every day I look forward to learning new techniques and tasting delicious food. In my class there are twelve students, one head chef, and one assistant chef. I am enrolled in the Baking and Patisserie Program and attend school from 12:30 – 5:30 pm daily. Already our class has learned how to correctly prepare and modify recipes including cookies, cakes, éclairs, biscuits, basic frosting techniques, sauces, crème Anglaise, fruit tarts, muffins, and pies. This is just the first 3 – week block. Every block we will have a new chef and a new focus. For example, our next block deals with the various properties and types of bread.

When we first arrive in the kitchen we gather around the chef’s demo area. We take notes about techniques, the science of baking, and ingredients. Some recipes include many steps, so it is important to pay close attention and take detailed notes on everything the chef demonstrates. When he is done with his demonstration he likes to say, “Alright, let’s play.” This means we go back to our workstations and start measuring ingredients and assembling whatever it is we’re making. It’s usually three recipes, so we have to manage our time wisely. We are graded on cleanliness, efficiency, work ethic, attitude, and how our food turns out.

Most of our food is put in the oven around 4:30 or 5:00 at which time we all start our assigned jobs of clean up. The sooner we finish, the sooner we go home; so we rapidly sweep, mop, wipe down counters, put away food, wash dishes, and measure ingredients for the chef’s next demonstration. Before going home we usually sample whatever we’ve made that day. The rest of the food usually goes to the restaurant located on campus, called L’ecole, or is shared with other students.

Yes, we have homework and every Friday we have a written test on the reading we’ve been assigned from our textbook, as well as a practical exam. In the practical exam we must prepare and present the food to the chef in a certain amount of time. He grades on texture, flavor, appearance, cleanliness of our workstation, how organized we are, and whether our uniform is still clean.

My first three weeks have been such a growing experience and I anxiously await the remaining seven months, and the two-month externship. Thank you, Dollars for Scholars, for your part in making it possible for students in our community to pursue their dreams. Thank you, Fergus Falls, for your valuable investment in students with all kinds of aspirations.

Kristin Spidahl of Fergus Falls is a 2004 graduate of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy and was the recipient of the Bechtel Memorial Scholarship. She is attending Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona. For information on creating a named scholarship, contact Fergus Falls Dollars for Scholars, 4B East Drive, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.