EDUCATION COMES IN DIFFERENT SHAPES AND SIZES.

Education comes in different shapes and sizes, and from different sources and outlets. We humans begin to learn from the day we are brought into this life, and we continue learning until we are no longer able to. “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever,” Mahatma Gandhi.  Well 

said. 

When we are young, our parents and grandparents are our primary teachers. As we grow older, however, friends and colleagues become important sources of learning and influence. Nowadays, social media and other platforms have become an important learning outlet as well. 

This is the moment when my long-held dream finally becomes a reality. After I opened my cooking school Izabella’s Gourmet Chow, nine years ago, for kids and later for adults, I had an idea. Why not create a cooking show for kids based on the concept of Anthony Bourdain and Mr. Rogers? Anthony Bourdain traveled the world and showed his viewers areas that most people will never visit, and sweet Mr. Rogers, taught kids to be kind, believe in themselves, and be good to others. Unfortunately, these days kids are faced with bullying and trying to fit into society, so why not bring purity into kids’ lives? And at the same time, they can learn where are country’s favorite dish originated from. 

 After searching and searching, I lucked out, I found a perfect trio of videographer, Joe Austin; producer, Caleb Grenek, and stage manager, Vanessa Sanders from Phase2Academy. 

My first show, Cooking around the world with Chef Sofya went live on YouTube (Chef Sofya) on Sunday November 23^rd at 9am. And now, every Sunday at 9am, kids “travel” to a new destination, learn a new dish made from scratch, a new language, learn landmarks, and have a chance to listen to that country’s music. 

To be honest, I had a fair share of disappointments and difficulties. A few years ago, someone in Hollywood was quite interested in my show, but then a writer’s strike happened and it all fizzled out. Then, after thinking I found two perfect people to do a show with, and after wasting my valuable time, they dropped out as well.  

However, I refused to put an incredibly educational show on the back burner, because not every child will be able to travel around the globe and not every child experiences enough positivity. So as an educator, I felt the necessity to put my show out there and bring joy into kids’ lives. 

Education goes a long way. I would love to hear feedback, any comments you have about the show. Tune in and subscribe. It’s Free.  

La Dolce Vita!!

Until next month.