Autumn Archer considers herself a foodie and has known from an early age that she was going to be a chef one day. While attending Umatilla High School, she was enrolled in culinary classes and her instructor mentioned that Lake Technical College had a culinary and baking program and that she could dual enroll during her senior year. Lake Technical College offers tuition free career dual enrollment in many programs, which Autumn acknowledged was a definite perk. After graduating from high school in 2019, she was able to complete her certification in Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality and Baking and Pastry Arts at Lake Tech.
Autumn excelled in her program and states, “I loved the learning environment and the sense of creative freedom that was provided. The program prepared me for the workforce because I was serving our students, faculty and staff daily and it was our responsibility to make and serve good food.”
Autumn’s culinary skills and knowledge of the kitchen were enhanced when she was offered a job at 1921 Mount Dora. 1921 serves contemporary Florida cuisine in a home built in 1921 in downtown eclectic Mount Dora. She is lead line cook and hopes to own her own restaurant in the future. She would also like to take business and managerial courses and eventually step into management positions. LTC Executive Director DeAnna Thomas recently dined at 1921 Mount Dora and stated, “During my visit I had the opportunity to tour the kitchen and it was incredible to see Autumn working skillfully in the culinary environment and to see all that she has mastered so well.”
“Lake Tech helped me understand how I could pass along my passion and techniques to others. I want to share my knowledge and teach others what I know. I want to make them passionate about cooking.” Autumn also loves incorporating what she learns in the kitchen and using those skills to cook for her family. Autumn is proud of where she is in life. At age 22 she has already established her career, moved out of her family’s home, purchased her own vehicle, and she is proud to be working at 1921 Mount Dora.
When asked what piece of advice she would give to prospective Lake Tech students interested in culinary, she quickly replied, “Lake Tech is hands-on and provides you with everything you need to be successful, but you must stay engaged and pay attention to the technical techniques you are taught so that you fully understand the basics before moving forward.”
If you are interested in learning more about the Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality or Baking and Pastry Arts programs or learn more about career dual enrollment, please visit our website or give us a call at 352.589.2250 and ask to speak to a career advisor.
