Core Competency Reflection: Creative and Critical Thinking

In my foods class at Riverside, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with and demonstrate the Core Competency of Creative and Critical Thinking. This competency encourages the development of innovative solutions and the ability to analyze and evaluate situations effectively. Throughout the course, I showcased creative thinking in various culinary projects. For instance, during the Food hacks lab, I was tasked with creating a recreation of a cheap dish using a set of given ingredients. I approached this challenge by experimenting with different recipe combinations and picking one that I thought would compliment this assignment the most.

Moreover, critical thinking played a crucial role in my decision-making during the cooking process. I consistently evaluated the quality of my dish, adjusted cooking times based on timers and made real-time adjustments to achieve the desired outcome. An example of this was during the chocolate cookies lab where I had to make on-the-spot decisions to ensure the dish met the required standards and out cookies came out the best if I do say so myself.

This competency has not only enhanced my culinary skills but has also nurtured a mindset of adaptability and resilience in the kitchen. I’ve learned to assess challenges from different perspectives and find creative solutions to unforeseen problems, a skill that is not only valuable in cooking but also in various aspects of life.

In conclusion, my experience in the foods class at Riverside has been a journey of cultivating creative and critical thinking. The culinary arts demand both innovation and analysis, and I’m proud of the growth I’ve achieved in these competencies during my time in the class.