I have experienced many things in life which have shaped me into the young woman I am today. Though every experience has played a great role in my personal development, there is one experience that has impacted me greater than any other. Here are 10 ways going to culinary school has permanently changed me.

1. I walk with a sense of urgency everywhere I go.

There's always a deadline to meet and someone who isn't going to meet it... You never want to be that someone.

2. Anyone who cooks for me is "chef"

Even if you've never stepped foot in a kitchen professionally, as a sign of respect, I will always call you chef.

3. It's not "I understand" it's "heard"

"Heard" as a response to any command or request, regardless of our relationship, is something you can directly thank my time in BOH for.

4. I have a habit of saying "behind" to people who have no idea what I'm talking about

I've found myself getting frustrated with tourists in NYC, 1. For walking too slow and 2. For not moving out of my way when I say "behind." It's only after I shove my way past them that I remember the world is not an industry kitchen.

5. Any table that I don't eat at is automatically a prep table

I don't even have an explanation for this

6. I always feel the need to explain why something is wrong when I go out to eat at a sub-par restaurant.

7. Those "tasty" food videos all over Facebook annoy the living hell out of me.

What exactly are "buttery onions" and why are you only using one clove of garlic?

8. Even dinners that I just "threw together" sound like something straight out of a food network special

"Wow Jan, this sauteed kale and summer squash salad goes great with the tortellini and homemade tomato sauce."

9. My friends and I are very fond of picking up our produce at local markets and not the big names.

10. I'll always feel most at home working at a restaurant.

Whether I'm the special events manager or head chef, my heart will always be in the hospitality industry... one way or another.