Rachael Prior has worked in a variety of settings: military to corporate to independent.
"I've found that I thrive and find happiness in the service industry," she said. "I've spent years as a bartender and a server, and in managerial roles in restaurants, and wanted to expand my knowledge and learn more about something I love to do, which is cook."
She received a certificate from Le Cordon Bleu in culinary arts and is now seeking a BA. She did her externship at The Purple Pig among various stages in restaurants around Chicago.
"I find that being a cook is a very rewarding profession that tests many different aspects of who I am," Prior said. "There is nothing mundane or repetitive about it, and I continue to learn more about myself and my abilities, as well as what I need to improve every day. There are bad days as well as great days, but the bad days are what push me to be better all the time. I work for very accomplished and knowledgeable chefs and that's the best setting anyone who aspires to get into this profession can ask for and be thankful for."
Prior said being a cook certainly has its challenges, starting with self-confidence. "The hours are long and you have to learn to sacrifice a lot of your personal life in order to get the experience you're going to need to move forward and succeed," she said. "I miss a lot of functions with the kids' school and Jess and I lose a lot of time together, but thankfully she supports me and we both know it's something I've always wanted to do and the reward will be great."
Prior added, "The decision to follow my heart and dive into something that isn't exactly glamorous has been, thus far, the most rewarding experience I've had to date. It's not easy by any means but for me, it's a no-brainer. I have so much to learn in this crazy career and I'm extremely lucky to have had the experience at The Purple Pig and now at the club I'm at now being pushed every day to do better. I'm also very lucky to have a supporting family that puts up with the long hours and loves me. What more could I want?"
THE STATSAge: 36
Neighborhood: Andersonville
Relationship status: Partners with Jessika Newman, 31, a clinical liaison. The two have been dating since February 2011, and got engaged New Year's Eve 2012. Their wedding is Aug. 31, 2014, in Springfield.
Kids : Christopher, 6; and Lucas, 4
Job title: Cook at a private club in downtown Chicago
Hobbies: Hosting dinner parties
Favorite TV show: Modern Family
Favorite pizza toppings: "I love a good old fashioned veggie pizza with fresh ingredients."
Favorite Chicago restaurants: Hopleaf, Calo's and Tanoshii. "We like to keep it simple and local—and also The Bongo Room or Pauline's for weekend brunch," Prior said.
Favorite color: Green
Dream vacation destination: Cancun
Little-known fact: "I can juggle and am a huge Dave Matthews Band fan."
