My mother and her family have been teaching me to cook ever since the young age of eight years old. As I have gotten older I have been learning how much of an essential life skill it truly is, especially as I approach college. The following list is nine reasons why you should take a few classes in order to learn the elegant art of cooking.

1. It's healthier for you!

Since you're the one cooking the food, you know what's going into it. The ingredients are fresher as well so there are little to no preservatives.

2. Eating out gets expensive.

Studies have shown that the average American spends about $232 per month. If you're a college student on a tight budget, then cooking is your best option because if you prepare your meals at home it can save you an average of $147 per month which can really add up in the end.

3. Improves the quality of date nights with your significant other.

Sure you two can go out to eat for date night at a loud restaurant and pay the big bucks. But if you take the time to prepare something at home, it saves you a bit of money but it also makes the experience a little more personal and special. Especially if you two cook the meal together.

4. Shows independence.

When you know how to cook, you don't have to rely on others in order to get the food you want. You can make your favorite dish all by yourself!

5. You can help take care of others.

Being able to cook not only shows how you can take care of yourself, but it also shows that you can use your culinary skills to take care of your friends and loved ones.

6. It relieves stress.

After a long stressful day, a good way to unwind and relax is to cook your favorite meal. Cooking has been proved to be therapeutic as it serves as a creative outlet. It also helps because it makes the person who is cooking feel good about nurturing others with their creations.

7. It helps with creativity.

Cooking challenges the mind to think of new and interesting ways to make a simple ingredient into something way more. As your creative juices are flowing while you're making the dish of your choice other thoughts can flourish in the meantime.

8. You can participate in cultural traditions.

Many cultures have traditions surrounding food such as the Jewish tradition of baking sweet honey cake for Rosh Hashanah or roasting the annual Thanksgiving turkey. There are other ways of being included in these traditions but following the ancient footsteps of countless ancestors can really help you connect to the holiday and have a greater appreciation of it.

9. Lastly, it reduces mindless eating.

The more often you cook, the more aware you become of what you are eating. If you are aware of what you're eating, then it reduces the chances of mindless eating!