While the world around us is occupied, it’s important to notice the little things that bring us joy. Maybe it’s school, extracurricular activities, or sleeping. For me, cooking brings me joy. As a fifteen year old, I am learning to become more independent with my lifestyle. Taking a risk is major in my life, cooking does that for me. There are no requirements that you have to meet to cook, anyone can do it. You can always spice things up and not follow the rules by changing the recipe. Sometimes failure will occur, but it will help you learn for the future. Believe it or not, I wasn’t able to crack an egg until I was thirteen, with the help of my friend. 

I was always frightened of the idea that my hand might catch on fire. My grandma taught me how to cook rice at the age of five, learning at a young age influences you a lot. At the age of seven, I learned how to cook meat, but was never allowed to turn on the stove, yet. Finally at age eleven, my mom trusted me enough. I turned on the stove, I was shocked that this appliance can actually fill our hunger. I quickly place chopped onions, rice, and sausage into the pan. I quickly remember how heavy the pan was, but after ten minutes, the food was ready. My mom said my meal was delicious and I had to cook more. That quickly raised my self esteem and I cooked more. For my eighth grade spanish cultural project, I decided to put my cooking skills to the test, and cook a three course meal, with desert. I typically cooked vietnamese and american dishes, so I was a little reluctant. I chose a type of salad with a really sour sauce for my appetizer, chicken with an extremely seasoned sauce for the main dish, and a lemon cookie dessert. The drink I chose was horchata, this drink took the longest because I had to soak the cinnamon overnight. My mom and I enjoyed the course so much, but I haven’t got the time to remake it. 

My love for cooking and baking really changed me. It’s basically a healthy addiction because it can help you stay in control and help you learn more about the world around you. Cooking introduces you to countries with some of the finest dishes and builds your experience for later life. If I am being honest, if you don’t know the basics like cooking, what will happen if there’s an emergency. You do not want to be a bystander and just watch while the more experience does the work. It’s completely okay to not be excellent but trying your best and putting your best effort is what counts. Cooking even gets better, you can collaborate your ideas with friends and family. That’s what it’s all about, share your recipes and together cook an unforgettable meal, you can also do that more than once. I don’t want to excite you, but some famous chefs even started small because they had a passion for cooking. Who knows, maybe one day you can be a famous chef, cook amazing and variety of dishes for some of the most exquisite. Sometimes when the world and myself are busy, I find myself cooking to release the stress that builds up. You have to take care of your health first or it will control you. Do what you love even when it seems like you won’t have the time.