I can’t wait to share the exciting news with ya’ll! I have been accepted into one of the world’s top culinary schools– The Culinary Institute of America! Opening the acceptance email was SURREAL! I cried, I got nervous, I did an excited dance. So. many. feels!
There was so much that went into this huge life-changing decision, and there is still so much we have to sort through. I am nearly 30, in the middle of motherhood, homemaking, and building Sea Salt Savorings, and am just now deciding to start college. It’s an intimidating leap of faith!
Levi, my husband, has been patient with my ever-changing mind since he has known me. He has seen me change opinions, careers, and paths so many times, but he has always encouraged and supported the growth. It’s no surprise he was the catalyst for my acceptance.
I was chopping vegetables and preparing dinner in the kitchen as I rambled to Levi about my near future goals. One of them was to become a chef and to provide my learned knowledge of food to my audience- it was the next natural step.
I tossed around the idea of attending local programs but Levi could sense I wasn’t thrilled with those options. He did a quick Google search- “best culinary schools in the world.” The Culinary Institute of America was among the top three best schools worldwide and it’s located in our beloved New York. He knew I’d like the sound of that.
I was so quick to dismiss this idea. How could I expect my whole family to pick up and leave their lives and start fresh because I am just now (at 29) deciding to start college? Also, I was not certain I would even be accepted into the school, so why waste time?
Levi was not hearing it and we applied anyway. For days, weeks even, our nightly walks were consumed with planning in the event I did get accepted. Would we sell the house? Rent? Where would all three kids attend school and where would Levi work?
We love our home in Pensacola and the kids have such a wonderful life here. They feel content and settled- everything a mom could want for her children! I felt selfish for even entertaining the idea.
Then it came- the email we had anticipated! I was in the middle of getting the kids settled in from school and in the midst of the chaos, I opened it. I read it, re-read it, and read it again. I could not believe I was reading the words “you’ve been accepted!”.
The excitement was balanced with fear because this is a major shift. There is no way that you get accepted to a school like this and NOT go, but there was so many moving parts we had to figure out to make this happen. This is where Levi steps in and (once again) amazes me.
Levi looked at me and said, “I think you need to go alone.” My stomach was in knots. “I’ve been playing around with the idea, and I can arrange my work schedule and stay here in Pensacola with the kids and take care of them by myself.” I stared at him wide-eyed. Three kids… by yourself… for the sake of me going to college?
You see, Levi has always been a team player, ever since I met him in the Army. He’s always believed that rising tides lift ships and he’s always helped me make way for my dreams. He is so genuine that I knew he truly wanted me to take this next step- and he was willing to do whatever it took on his end to help me make it happen. He believes in me.
We were met with many questions from our friends and family over this decision of him staying in Pensacola with the kids while I attend school in New York. Many were surprised yet refreshed to witness our balance of roles and trust in our family and relationship. Levi was dubbed as “brave” for taking on the additional role as the homemaker (which he is!).
It is not a common decision to be in the middle of your life, with kids, a home, a career, and to just move and start something new. While it is a temporary life change, it’s still nerve-wracking.
There are going to be difficult days. There will be lonesome days when I look at my empty grocery cart as I shop for just myself instead of 5 people. I will miss out on birthdays, milestones, even Evelyn’s first day of kindergarten. Levi will have days when the house is a mess, dinner isn’t made, and the kids are wild. This won’t always be easy.
What will be easy is the effortless support I receive from my husband, the fact my girls will witness what a supportive partner looks like or what it means to chase your dreams. My son will look up to a man who is not afraid to bend the gender role norms and who is endlessly supportive.
I hope this serves as a reminder to make goals, but don’t just stop there. Do everything, and I mean EVERYTHING to make them happen. You are never too old, too stuck, or too deep in your path to turn around and start something fresh. YOU GOT THIS.
So, cheers to new beginnings, to more delicious recipes, and to you, Levi, for always being the catalyst. I can not wait to take ya’ll with me on my journey through culinary school! Here I come, New York!
Love this so much!!
Thank you so much!!
CONGRATULATIONS 🎉 🥰! Great things definitely are in the works!
SO PROUD OF YOU, SHERRY! I know you will do amazing things and I cannot wait to see what the future of backyard bohemian holds!
Thank you so much!
Gosh, why did this make me teary! Proud of you! You (ALL) got this.
Thank you so much. There were lots of tears while writing this piece! I am truly blessed.
I love the love you and Levi share!! So proud of you for chasing these dreams down, can’t wait to watch you absolutely crush it!!
He truly is one hell of a man. Thanky you, my friend!
So excited to see where this takes you! Your passion for and commitment to this, is nothing short of inspiring and I have no doubt your dreams WILL come true. Oh the places you’ll go!
oh my gosh, you are so wonderful. Thank you, my friend!
This made me cry! You two are so good for each other, and I am SO proud of you. This takes a very strong person to do this. Go make your dreams come true, girl!
Thank you so much. Sometimes I have to pinch myself, like… am I really living this life?! I am blessed beyond measure for a wonderful, supportive family.
Omg how freaking exciting! Going to bring your already amazing recipes to the next level!!!!! Xoxoxo
Truly! I am so excited to teach ya’ll everything I know!
THIS is what love looks like. Love for your dreams, goals and passions. Love from your husband to support you in every chance you take. Love for your children, enough to make a life changing decision for them! Your passions are implanted in every person you come across, which is how I know that you are going to flourish in this next chapter. Keep pushing, and keep being the woman that we all want our daughters to grow up to be. You are truly an inspiration!!!
TEARS!!!! Thank you so much for the kind, loving, supportive words.
So proud of you! Very exciting I’m so looking forward to what you have to share next.
Thank you so much, cheers to more delicious recipes!
Okay, this really made me tear up! This is so awesome! I’m so excited for you. You really are blessed to have such a supportive husband! Congratulations Sherry!! Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much, my friend! This life I live… I am beyond grateful.
This is SO exciting for you and your family! That Wyoming man is pretty spectacular! You’re going to do amazing and New York is lucky to have you! May your dreams of culinary school be fulfilled. Prayers, blessings, and happiness to you and your family! ❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words! Levi sure is one of a kind!
CONGRATULATIONS! That is amazing!
Thank you so much, my friend!
Sherry!! You are a literal rock star and I can not wait to see all of your continued success! I will always be a follower of the Backyard Bohemian!
Thank you so much, my friend!
I can’t wait to see what you bring to the world next. I’m so proud to know you and have been your friend for the past 20 (?!) years. Levi is an amazing man. I’ll be here for you for the good days and the bad if you ever need to reach out. Also New York isn’t so far from MA 😉 I love you! Keep doing what you’re doing and teach me how to cook like a pro some day!
Sloth
Slothy!! Thank you so much, I love you right back!
Congratulations!!! So happy that your dreams are coming true. Looking forward to seeing and tasting all the amazing things that will come from this opportunity.
Yay!! Thank you so much!!
You are going amazing places and am proud to call you a friend! Cant wait to see what this new adventure brings!
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Amazing!!! I’m so proud of you.
Another step closer to your dreams.
Can’t wait to see how you incorporate what you learn into your recipes and blog.
YAY! Cheers to NY living!
So proud of you! You can’t wait until you’re chef Sherry! 😏
Chef Sherry, it has a nice ring, doesn’t it?!
So awesome!!! Congratulations!
Thank you so much!
So incredibly proud of you! You have such a beautiful family and your journey to reach your professional goals is aspirational. I wish you happiness and success!
Thank you so much my dear friend!
What an amazing opportunity! Congratulations! After making several of your recipes I have no doubt you will do amazing on this new adventure. It is so wonderful to have such a supportive family and be able to follow your dreams. This story is such a huge inspiration to me!! Thank you for sharing!!
I am soooo proud of you Mama! At times as mothers we put ourselves LAST. Such a blessing to have a husband who supports you putting you FIRST. God is good! Wishing you much success in your new endeavor mama! Those babies will be fine and so will hubby 🙂
Super Proud of you. This is so exciting!! Seeing you help us achieve our goals and now you finally doing the same! Big things are definitely coming your way and I can’t wait to see! 💕
Congratulations! Excited for you and your new journey!
Congratulations on your acceptance. I’m sure you’ll do great and cant wait to sample all the good creations you’ll cook up.
Looking forward to how school will shape your recipes and sharing!
You always amaze me in everything you do, Sherry. I am just so proud of both you and Levi for making this dream happen. I cannot wait to see how this changes your life, and also cannot wait to taste many more delicious meals that come from this new journey! We love you so much!
I am so proud of you and your family . I am amazed by all you do daily and I know you have BIG Dreams to go with your Beautiful Heart and Soul…WATCH OUT WORLD! I love to watch your journey and all the Love and Support you have!
Sherry!!!! I am so proud of everything you have experienced and accomplished. I have known you since you were 14, and you have never ceased to amaze me. You will always reach your goals and make it to your dreams. Your recipes are AMAZING, and you always help me perfect my cooking and figure out my problems when they occur, no matter how many times I bother you. It blows my mind the amount of dishes you know how to make. You are a NATURAL! With this school, you are going to learn so many new dishes and details that will make your already amazing recipes be that much better! I can not wait to see the places you will go Sher. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
My love language is feeding people. I have always looked forward to sharing a meals. (“a meal” or just “meals”) It is not about the palatable fare, it is mostly about togetherness: the bonding experience while engaging all of our senses. Gathering around food truly taps into our primal need for nourishment and belonging.