Oklahomans Trade in Professions for Spatula

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Many Oklahomans are trading their old careers to join one of the best culinary programs in the Midwest.

Platt College has helped numerous Oklahomans, including Sharon Gomez, pursue their passion for cooking.

"I love cooking. It's my passion. I'm good at it. I feel very at ease when I'm cooking," Gomez said.

Gomez has been dicing vegetables at Platt College for eight months and left a software company to get into the kitchen.

"When people eat my food, I want them to go, 'this is really special. I enjoyed it. It was good, and it looks beautiful,'" Gomez said.

Platt College Culinary Arts Program earns their future professionals a 12-month Associate Degree education.

"We're taking people that are looking and wanting to change their lives, and we're changing their lives," said Chef Mark Cochran, director of Culinary Arts Program.

With every batch of savory bread pudding made, students are not only learning how to bake pastries or prepare international cuisine, but they're learning better communication skills making the community stronger and helping them to get jobs in no time throughout Oklahoma.

"So, can you become one? You bet. If you have the drive, you have the desire and the determination, we can get you there," Cochran said.

Within only three months, Gomez's choice to attend Platt College has made a difference in her life. She's in the kitchen at the Gallardia Country Club and is on her way to fulfilling her culinary dreams.

"Being an executive chef on a cruise ship, you're gonna have several people underneath you. So it's just preparing me for that next step," Gomez said.

Gomez has 10 weeks of school left. Other graduates have landed amazing jobs at places like The Skirvin Hotel, The Mantle, Boulevard Steak House, Nona's, Riverwind and Firelake Grand Casino.

The executive chef at the Governor's Mansion was also a Platt College graduate.