“You’re never too old to go back to school.” Every morning since Class 80 began in May 2025, Charles gets up, drives an hour and a half from Winston-Salem to CCSC, attends class, drives the hour and a half back, goes to work from 1-8pm, and then does it all again the next day. “When I’m in it, I’m in it. I’m not about wasting time.” Charles has been cooking since he was a child. He grew up helping his mom in the kitchen and watching his father cook in the healthcare industry. “I heard about CCSC from a past alumnus. When he graduated, he told me what this place is all about, and I had to come see it for myself immediately.” Charles says that he made the commitment to drive to class each day from Winston-Salem because he is dedicated to elevating his skills and taking full advantage of the opportunity in front of him. “If you’re serious about what you want to do, this is the place to do it.” Additionally, he is grateful for the training being tuition-free because it makes it accessible to him. What Charles likes most about School is that he gets to learn in a fast-paced kitchen, improve his knife skills, and learn the technical names of equipment and food. After graduation, Charles is looking forward to focusing on the fine dining aspect of the culinary world and continuing to expand his knowledge.