Time to Graduate from CIA—Onto the Next Chapter
Annie B. Milostan ’25 is Baking and Pastry Arts major.
“Enjoy every single moment while here, this place is your home.”
My name is Annie B. Milostan, I am from Arizona, the youngest of four girls and the first of my family to attend college. I originally hadn’t planned on going to college, I didn’t think it was for me. I wasn’t the greatest student, and I craved working with my hands. In high school I fell in love with cooking and the fast-paced environment. Creating dishes was like an art and watching people enjoy the food you made was an unmatched feeling. I started here at the Culinary Institute of America in the fall of 2023; I was not aware of what the next 15 months had in store for me.
Just the Beginning
I faced multiple challenges just in my first semester alone. Four weeks into the semester I tore my rotator cuff and thought I would have to take a semester off, however that wasn’t the case. I met with my dean, chef-instructor, and with learning accommodations and we crafted a plan that would help me stay on the course throughout my time here. I also went to tutoring for some of my academic classes at The Russell H. Ferber Learning Commons, they helped me find a way to study that worked for my brain. In addition to prioritizing my academics, I made it a point to get involved on campus while in my first semester, and I worked as a recreation assistant creating different events for students to attend on weekends. In my second semester, I started my block classes which are four three-week long kitchen classes, as well as my academic classes, and I had two jobs. I truthfully struggled this semester, I was homesick, struggling in classes, having a hard time making good friends, and I got sick. However, I had a great support system with mentors on campus and my family was only a call away. Being involved around campus helped, and I got to meet some amazing alumni like Amanda Freitag ’89 and Anne Burrell ’96! During my time here I have fallen more in love with the career I chose to pursue.
Summer in the Hamptons
I went on my internship (or “externship,” as we like to call it in this industry) my summer semester, and I spent it in the Hamptons! It wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but I am so grateful for the time I spent here. I started in May just before the season started, and I quickly learned that it was going to be an interesting summer. I learned a lot about service and how the resort ran its day-to-day operations, every employee was like family, no one faced any struggle alone. While on extern I got another job and was working as a barista. Once the owner of the coffee shop heard I was attending CIA, he had me help his head chef perfect their gluten-free goodies. I had an absolute blast working with them and learning more. Working mornings at the coffee shop and evenings at the resort I found myself with little down time, but the time I did have, I made sure to explore the area a bit and soak up some sunshine on the beach. Every externship location is different, and if it isn’t what you expected, you can always turn it into a learning moment. My externship was not what I hoped it would be; however, I met some incredible people, learned, gained so much experience, and now I know what I want from a job. I call that a win!
The Final Stretch
When I got back to CIA for my final two semesters, I was a little nervous but also so excited. I had a new job with the content and photography team for our CIA Activities Instagram, and it was a blast! My classes went smoothly, I learned so much, and was also able to put my own personal flare into the desserts I was creating. I worked two of my favorite jobs that led me to a once in a lifetime opportunity going to Brooklyn for the New York Wine and Food Festival FoodieCon®—an event that brings together social media’s best food-loving personalities! When starting my final semester, I was a little sad, mainly because the semester before was such a good one… however this last semester was the best yet! I became involved with CIA’s Cookie Bake-Off, helped chefs in p.m. classes when they needed it, and really took advantage of my last semester here!
Words of Wisdom
When writing this piece, I really had to think back through everything that has happened over my time here. There are things I wish I would’ve known, but not knowing was a part of me learning and growing into who I am now. Here are some words of wisdom… It’s okay to ask for help. Take advantage of your time here, ask questions, be invested in your classes, and if you have a bad day there’s always another day and it will get better! Enjoy every single moment while here, this place is your home, and you have the chance to create a pretty amazing family!
I am forever grateful for the Culinary Institute of America and the family I have created!
Xoxo,
Annie B. Milostan ’25
Curious about where I’m headed next? Follow me on Instagram @annieb._adventures_
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