A chance at learning a crucial life skill

Many high schools in Broward County offer culinary classes, but they are considered electives and it is optional to graduate. Although, culinary class informs students about kitchen safety and sanitation. The course is a resource for students but will come in handy in the future in cases of living independently, illnesses, and mental health. Mandatory culinary classes could help prevent this in the near future. However, the question of whether this should be learned in school or at home can vary from each perspective.

“Knowing how to cook is super important. House fires while cooking is too common, and I think that is because people don’t have the skills to cook, especially with how fire corresponds with different materials or substances. They also should know how to care for themselves instead of

relying on someone else to make the food for them,” said Deerfield Beach High School sophomore Kelly Lynn Ryan.

There are a few unspoken rules when working in a kitchen surrounding safety. For example, handling certain meats to avoid food poisoning is essential to learn. Unfortunately, most graduates do not know this. Multiple studies on college students and their knowledge of kitchen sanitation showed how little they know. Out of 3,000 college students, 33% stated they only sometimes wash their hands after handling raw meat, and approximately 54% do not wash their hands after handling raw chicken. This simple mistake can lead to the spread of bacteria causing sickness.

Putting someone in a situation not particularly experienced can have many consequences; that is why learning kitchen safety is so important, but it isn’t hard to see why some people wouldn’t want to take this course. Which is why it is an optional class by the county. Some people decide not to take the class, whether for safety reasons such as severe burns or simply because cooking doesn’t seem important to them. Others already have experience at home, but this doesn’t diminish the ones who don’t. However, they usually aren’t aware of its benefits.

“Some students just don’t enjoy cooking and leaving it optional gives them room to pursue other things they enjoy. Knowing how to cook isn’t the most important skill. There are other alternatives like having food delivered or take out.” said DBHS freshman Danielle Robinson.

Nevertheless, knowledge of cooking is an inevitable obstacle in everyone’s lives regardless of age. Fortunately, students who take culinary classes are much more likely to make intelligent decisions in the kitchen regarding ingredient balancing and safety. This class will give lessons and skills that can be used throughout a student’s lifetime, keeping them safe and healthy.

Written by Jade Jenkins | Graphic Designed by Jade Jenkins

Published May 17, 2023 | ePathfinder | Perspectives