LCI Alumni Spotlight: Christina Cox of Blue Rose Cafe
The reputation of an educational institution is directly reflected by the success and happiness of their graduates. This is an especially defining characteristic when it comes to culinary schools. At traditional universities, while there are a number of key differentiators, it is difficult to foster the creativity and energy that premier culinary schools can in their students. For Louisiana Culinary Institute alum, Christina Cox, this is exactly what drew her to LCI.
As a junior in high school Cox toured Louisiana Culinary Institute and her mind was made up. With desires to become a chef at an early age, there was no more research to be done once she stepped foot on LCI’s campus. So what was it that made this the right choice for her?
The faculty. Of course the teachers and chefs at any institute should be a key consideration, but it was their honesty during her tour that sealed the deal. “The professors didn’t sugarcoat anything, and I loved that,” remembered Cox. They explained a simple formula: if you can get to class on time and keep up with the curriculum, then you are meant to be in this industry.
Along with supportive parents, Cox’s favorite aspect of her education at LCI was that the instructors knew where to focus. This type of industry insight prepares the students for the ins and outs of the food service and hospitality industries that they couldn’t anticipate from a textbook. Everything is timed as a well-rounded curriculum including leadership, accounting, and entrepreneurship classes.
What are a few words of wisdom that an alum can pass down to current and prospective students? “Make sure you are there before Chef Mike says, ‘Good afternoon!’ because that means you’re late. Have your uniform intact and looking nice. Be prepared the night before. Be ready.”
Christina is just one shining example of the chefs that come out of LCI. She is now a chef at the Blue Rose café in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Graduating from LCI doesn’t mean that you walk out of the doors forever. There is a tremendous amount of alumni support, which is just another thing that sets LCI apart.
