npandolfi: just another perspective here. i am 28 years old, and i attended a 4 year college, and worked various jobs after graduation. at the age of 27 i came to the cooking profession. i attended a 1 year program (chock full of practical experience in french technique) and now i am working and externing at a relais and chateaux property outside of washington, dc. my mind wants to accomplish so much in the kitchen...i have goals, i have ideas, but sadly i don't have the experience. only time will take care of that. what i am saying is, i wish i would have found cooking before i was 27 (i am ecstatic i found it at all, since many never find their true love)...and if it is your true love, go for it now...just like the high schooler jumping to the nba or the teen age tennis prodigy...just go for it, now. jonathan