The Kitchen - My Fantasy World

When thinking of going off to college, I was really excited to start a new life. I thought college was like the novels and movies made it seem. New friends, an apartment full of friends, typical failed love stories, all while easily getting good grades. This was nothing more than a fantasy. Instead, I entered the world of student loans, living on campus with strange roommates I had nothing in common with and the struggle of keeping good grades. The only part I anticipated and actually experienced was that of failed love stories. These weren't even close to as romantic as I had imagined them. But, enough about my college complaints. The Kitchen, a series on the infamous Food Network, kind of made the lack of a kitchen a little better for me. I could just watch them and imagine it were me and my friends in the kitchen trying new recipes.

The cast of The Kitchen on Food Network: Sunny Anderson, Geoffrey Zakarian, Jeff Mauro, Marcelo Valladolid and Katie Lee

My Make Believe Kitchen

Not only have I had to fantasize about the idea of having my own kitchen, I also had to fantasize about my friends being able to actually cook and enjoy it. After making all this up, I am now in the perfect place with the perfect people, in my head. College is all about meeting new people and creating memories with them. I've had the fortune of finding one friend, whom I didn't make up, who had a real kitchen. My group of friends have never been closer. We found every reason for a 'girl's night' where we'd grab some wine and some groceries and cook up a storm. You'd be amazed at the conversations wine and a good meal can create. And how long they can last! Time seems never ending when there is good food at your disposal.

Microwaves and toaster ovens are a college student's holy grail!

My advice to others like me who had to give in to meal plans and less than appetizing lunches and dinners, is to make the best of your college experience even one lacking a kitchen. Get creative with things you find in your nearby supermarkets that don't require more than a microwave and a toaster oven. You'd be surprised at the gourmet dishes you can make in a toaster oven. Don't give up hope and don't knock anything until you try it! But, never forget. Budget! We're still in college. We're gonna eat chicken nuggets and imagine we're eating gourmet chicken fillet from a world renowned chef. Mind over matter always.

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