Elle Lindstrom

Many BSM students enjoy cooking and learning how to cook.

Cooking is a necessary human skill that everyone utilizes at some point in their lives, some less than others depending on the situation. However, do BSM students still regard cooking as a skill that needs to be cultivated? Have they become too reliant on restaurants or stores when it comes to cooking?

There has been a significant change in the American diet as we’ve replaced the norm of home-cooked meals with eating out. BSM students reflect this change in attitude with their regular consumption of fast-foods and takeout meals.“I’d rather cook for myself than go to eat, but sometimes I don’t have the time, or sometimes I just don’t want to cook. I just want to eat something different,” Theology teacher Andretta Hanson said.

Cooking is significantly community-oriented. Out of 42 students surveyed, 33 said they learned to cook from a family member or friend. Things such as recipes and knowledge are passed down in families from generation to generation. Cooking is something that follows people for life. Not only does it encourage familiar bonding it can also be a source of relaxation and revitalization. “[While in college,] I’ll make it a goal for myself to try cooking probably once a week,” senior Mae Reddy said.

Learning to cook as a student can give you an advantage later in life. Cooking for yourself saves the money spent on eating out or ordering food. When BSM students go to college and are short on money and time, they need only cook a simple meal to be satisfied. Furthermore, a home-cooked meal can help nourish both the mind and body. Students require proper nourishment to perform their best academically and socially. Many college halls offer a communal kitchen for student use, a great place to whip something up. “So you don’t have that stress later in life to start now especially if you have a family member that loves cooking definitely,” Reddy said.

Cooking can be fun and experimental for students as well. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a passion, simply a pastime. Some teachers and students find that cooking also teaches productivity and focus. Cooking is highly personalized as it can be simple or complex. Sometimes a recipe is not needed, other times it’s a nice guideline. Going out for food every once in a while is a nice way to take a break since cooking every night can become tedious. Students need to have a balance and not rely too much on one thing. “Cooking also teaches you about improvising when you don’t have things right away at your service,” Hanson said.