WOODBURY — Sure, everybody has something they enjoy, from hanging out with friends, watching sunsets, gaming, shopping, sports, and more.
But for me, culinary is more than just cooking. It’s a hobby that can reset my mindset and lift me up from a bad day.
I’ve loved cooking my whole life. When I put on my first apron at the age of 4, I knew this hobby was for me.
Culinary hasn’t just affected me. For John Dominello, the culinary teacher here at Nonnewaug, he also has a special relationship with this hobby.
“Culinary arts really is one of the biggest parts of my life,” Dominello said. “I grew up in a butcher shop.”
Dominello was so inspired by his father that he decided to apply to the Culinary Institute of America in New York. It’s known to be one of the top culinary schools in the world. He decided to attend the Culinary Institute of America to further his education and to pursue his dream of becoming a chef.
“Working with different types of food and catering inspired me to go onto culinary school,” Dominello said.
Like Dominello, I myself have been inspired by my father. Recently, I applied to the Culinary Institute of America and got accepted to my dream school.
I have looked up to Dominello, too. I have developed a great connection with him during my high school years.
“I was fortunate enough to work in the industry for many years,” says Dominello. “Then I [decided to] reinvent myself, go back to school, get a teaching certification and have the ability to pass on my lifelong experiences and knowledge with students at Nonnewaug.”
For senior Haylee Molina, who is also planning on attending the Culinary Institute of America, she has also built a great relationship with Dominello.
“I just knew that my love for food and cooking only grew more and more,” says Molina. “He helped me along the way find that passion for food through his different lessons, demonstrations, Kahoots, presentations, quizzes, and recipes.”
She has been a part of Dominello’s culinary classes since her freshman year. Now as a senior, she considers Dominello to be one of her favorite teachers.
“I love everything about Mr. Dom,” Molina adds. “Not only do I see him as my teacher, but I also look up to him. You’ll know you’ll have an amazing year whenever you get to have him as your teacher.”
This is the opinion of Arabella Rosa, a senior at Nonnewaug and a sports editor for the Chief Advocate.
