The Advantages of Multiple Culinary Degrees and How The y Enhance Your Career
What began as a landmark on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge as she drove to work eventually became a haven of creativity and growth for Hannah Lizarraga. She passed LCI’s state-of-the-art campus on her way to work as a nanny for nearly a decade and attending the premier culinary school of the south was always in the back of her mind. Hannah earned her Advanced Culinary Arts degree last year in 2020 and is currently working towards her Advanced Baking and Pastry degree.
Hannah grew up in a very family focused home. Watching how her Mawmaw and Grandma loved to feed people spurred on her love for being in the kitchen. This inspiration, combined with the work ethic instilled in her by her parents allowed Hannah to push herself beyond her comfort zone.
With no back of the house or restaurant experience, the opportunity to learn new cooking techniques, plate presentations, and the one-on-one experience with the instructing chefs has been priceless. Hannah’s fellow students have helped her “break out of her shell” and exposed her to a new group of friends.
“The chefs are amazing. They are very caring, but allow you to learn from your mistakes. They truly want you to succeed,” she says. While Hannah plans to teach the skills she’s learned to the children that she nannies, she also has aspirations to work on the catering side of the culinary industry.
“I have known Hannah for approximately 18 months through her Culinary education. During this time, Hannah has proven time and again her dedication and passion for all things Culinary. She has volunteered for nearly every single event held outside of classroom hours in order to advance her knowledge and skill set. Hannah has participated in multiple student competitions against her fellow culinarians as well. The growth I have seen in Hannah during the time I have known her has been exponential, and I have no doubt that she will continue this path of continued growth. Before enrolling in Louisiana Culinary Institute, Hannah excelled in her high school’s culinary arts program. Having proven even then her dedication and desire to succeed as a future culinarian. Hannah is an enthusiastic learner with a thirst for knowledge who always strives to present her best,” says LCI instructor, Chef Jeanne Mancuso.
As both a Louisiana Culinary Institute alumna and simultaneously a current student, Hannah has a few words of advice for prospective culinary students that are considering LCI. “Get there early and be prepared. It’s a lot of work and a lot of hours, but it’s all worth it in the end. You are going to be prepared for the real world based on your lessons and the time you spend in the kitchen.”
