The Heat of Battle

"War is cruelty, and none can make it gentle." Gilbert Parker.

I fought in a war today, and came out the victor.

Today was the Regional Competition for Skills USA.

Me and twenty-three other students met together at Oakland Community College for this competition. I was in a culinary classroom with five other students, and after we set up our stations, we all went into the lecture hall for some guidelines.

While we were there, we were introduced to a few of the judges, and given some basic ground rules. Basically : no talking to other students, be courteous, and be conscious of the time limit.

The menu was a pan-roasted chicken breast, basmati rice pilaf, vegetable medley, and a poulette sauce. We had a 2 1/2 hour time limit, which seems like kind of a long-ish time, but trust me, it's really not.

For the first ten minutes, my brain was frozen. I just started gathering random ingredients that I knew I was going to eventually need. As I went on, though, I really started to feel the rhythm of things. I was totally in my own zone. Keeping my head down, and not even caring what the other contestants were doing.

I truly think that I turned into a machine.

After plates were finished, we had to clean up all three kitchen areas that we had been using. This took pretty much the entire time for the judges to deliberate, which was good. I was glad to be doing something, rather than sitting around waiting endlessly for the verdict.

The judges and host gathered us all into the big kitchen, and congratulated us on our accomplishments, and told us that we should be proud of what we had put out today. They made a few more comments, and then got down to the "nitty-gritty".

I wasn't expecting to place very high. I kept listening for my number(24), and they kept not calling it. I waited through the twenties, teens, and through the single numbers. when it came down to third place, and they still hadn't called my number, I thought that maybe there was a mistake. Like they had forgotten my number, or something. Then I heard,

"First place, Student Number24."

I looked at Chef Nate and my other schoolmates in complete disbelief.

I went up, accepted my prize (a 5 quart stainless steel Cuisinart pot), and my medal.

The next half-hour was a complete blur. People congratulating, handshakes, smiles, blushing. It was amazing.

Chef Nate called Chef Dave and Chef Tony when we finally got on the road back to school, and told them how we placed.

"Well, Sherard placed 19th, Kamyriah placed 18th, and I believe that Aubry placed, um, first."

Neither of them could believe it. They were so excited, and proud. They have both been such a huge part of my success. Pushing me when I wanted to stop, and giving me encouragement when I needed it. They're great. Thanks, guys. :]

Also, the entire reason that I even made it this far is sheerly because of the Grace of God. He supplies the strength for my every move (and every dish:)). All glory be to Him.

Thanks for all of your support as well, dear readers. It is totally impossible to tell you how much it means to me. I love and appreciate you all.

TI AMO.