Campus Tour with Cooking School Fans!

This adventure began in Aiken, SC in the Spring 2011 show season. I met a mother and daughter, Teresa and Amy Hayden, after my show in Aiken. I loved her immediately because she was redheaded of course! Amy was interested in culinary arts and wanted to know if I could suggest schools to look at for that major that also had a business emphasis. I just happened to have a brochure with me from my college, The Mississippi University for Women, aka The “W”,
http://web2.muw.edu/index.php/en/main-culinary
. So we talked a little bit and I was guessing that she was going into her senior year and wanted to start looking at schools. Amy was going into her FRESHMEN year! This girl knew what she wanted and was ready to start looking now.

So this past spring season rolls around and I am back in Aiken for my show and so are Teresa and Amy! We talked more and she told me how she loved what she found out about The “W” and they were thinking about going to the campus this summer and tour it. They asked would it be possible for me to meet them and tour it too. My answer, without hesitation, was YES! We stayed in contact to figure out a date that worked for all and plans were made. I gave them the information where they could schedule an official tour and away we went.

It was a hot, humid, July Monday in Mississippi but an excited one. We all met and expected to have a walking tour but we were happy when we saw the golf cart! If you have ever been in MS in July you know what I mean about the heat and humidity. Tyler was our tour guide and he did a fantastic job.

Amy and Tyler the tour guide

He took us all over the campus, we went in buildings, he told us fun facts and gave great information. It was fun for me too because so much has changed in the 11 years since I have graduated, new buildings, etc. Although many buildings are on the historic register and makes for a great history and beautiful campus. I even got to see one of my art professors and have a little chat. The one thing that we were disappointed with was that we could not get into the culinary building. They were having some air conditioner problems and the building was locked for repairs.

After the tour we of course took photos around campus, which I will share with you. Then we headed to downtown Columbus, MS to have lunch at Huck’s Place. Which is a restaurant co-owned by a culinary arts ”W” alum, Brian Huckaby and his brother,
http://hucks-place.com/
. If you are ever in the area, please go. You will not be disappointed!

Itwas a great day and loved spending time with the Hayden family. Now for photos!

Me and the Hayden family

The following is a very special “W’ tradition. The “W” is only 23 miles from Mississippi State University. Back when The “W” was strictly a womens college, most “W” girls dated “State” boys. Both campuses have a Ginkgo tree planted. The story goes that if you stand under the tree and a leaf hits you and at the same time a boy stands under the tree on MSU’s campus and gets hit with a leaf, you two are destined to meet and be together!