Following Your Culinary Passion Through Education: Meet LCI Student Jacob Worley

“Rewarding, fun, interesting, and valuable are all words that I would use to describe my experience here at LCI,” remarks Louisiana Culinary Student Jacob Worley. From an early age, Jacob knew that cooking was something for which he had a passion. The creativity and connection that the culinary arts offer has always been an interest. “I knew from a very young age that being a chef was something I wanted to do with my life. I started young in the kitchen. I would help my Mom with dinner it’s always been something that I’ve loved to do.”

While Jacob is currently in the middle of his pursuit of an Advanced Culinary Arts Degree in LCI’s savory program, his decision about where to pursue his education was not taken lightly. “The reason that I chose LCI is for the personal connections. Being from a small town in Texas, it has been a feeling I’ve grown extremely fond of. You make connections here that will last a lifetime.”

Even with his passion for cooking and learning, culinary school does not come without its challenges, but that’s not a bad thing. “One challenge is the instructors constantly pushing you to the level. While it’s certainly challenging, I wouldn’t want it to be any other way,” says Jacob.

It’s challenges like the one mentioned above that keep Jacob motivated and feed into his love of the culinary arts. “A personal goal of mine is to wake up every day and try and learn something new. My absolute favorite part of the culinary field is the fact that it’s an industry that you can dedicate your entire life to and always have more to learn.” 

Jacob is currently working for Bacon & Fig Events. His role there allows him to leverage the skills and knowledge that he’s learned so far, as well as the opportunity to experience other roles in the hospitality and culinary industry. “Bacon and Fig has been a wonderful company to be a part of. Some days I’m helping prepare food, which I love. Other days I’m in a server role, which allows me to sharpen my customer service skills.”

Before enrolling at Louisiana Culinary Institute Jacob wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to do after graduating with his bachelor degree. However, today that path and his goals have become much clearer. “I want to work my way towards being in kitchens centered around fine dining. I love all forms of food, but during my time at LCI, I’ve developed a great appreciation for when food becomes an artistic expression. My goal in life is to get to a point where I can spend my days creating food at that level.”