Lesson one: I'm ridiculously glad that I found my way to Cato Corner and that they were kind enough to take on a beaten down former lawyer who knew nothing about making cheese. I really can't imagine a better experience. I've said to friends in the last couple days that I feel so lucky to have ended up there. I had a chance to do everything. Aging, selling, making, milking...cleaning. I learned from people who are really good at what they do, and were great teachers to boot. They went out of their way to make sure I was learning everything I wanted to learn and put me in contact with other cheese people in the area that I wanted to meet. They encouraged me and trusted me with responsibilities; I was able to wipe off and repair most of the pieces of confidence and self-worth that the law firm crapped all over. You've read my descriptions of the highs as well as the lows. So I'm not trying to be overly laudatory for any gain, nor am I being excessively rosy. My summer seriously rocked my face off.
Lesson two. Connecticut is great. I never had much of an opinion about the state, good or bad. I just figured it was one giant NYC suburb. But there is so much to see and explore in a compact package. It's now home to some of my favorite foods (favorite pizza, favorite ice cream, second favorite sandwich). Beautiful state parks, great food, cute colonial houses...ominously towering casinos rising out of pitch black tree lined state highways. It's as peaceful or as exciting as you want it to be. Each town has it's own personality, and for most, it's not all blue bloodedness. Connecticut really does have character. I would genuinely be happy to end up there for a visit or longer again some day.
Lesson three. People are great. The customers were always happy. Everyone I met in the industry was so welcoming of my curiosity. Coming from a bleaker environment, I forgot what basic kindness looked like. Suddenly I remembered that people, on the whole, are really happy to help and excited for your success, particularly if they sense you're doing something you really love. I had tons of encouragement and kind words thrown at me when I talked about how and why I ended up with my hand in a cheese vat.
Lesson four. I really love cheese -- for more than just eating it. I appreciate good food on a completely different level now. I'm more certain now that I want to open a cheese store or work with cheese/delicious food in some way. I'm not sure what will end up being the best fit for me in the end, but at least I know I'll love whatever it is.
Lesson five. I love baby animals.
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| On my last day they knew I'd enjoy a pizza party at lunch and an ice cream feast at the end of the day. It's like they're on to me somehow. |
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