Faces of NLU: Karen Dimopoulos

In this week's Faces of NLU, we're delighted to feature Karen Dimopoulos, a passionate culinary student whose determination and creativity are setting her on a path toward becoming a published cookbook author.

When Karen Dimopoulos decided to pursue a Culinary Arts Certificate at Kendall College of NLU, she was drawn by the institution's outstanding reputation in the culinary world. As a Chicago resident, the convenient location was certainly appealing, but it was NLU's legacy of culinary excellence that truly caught her attention. Kendall College’s “great reputation" was the biggest factor in Karen’s decision to enroll, recognizing that training at a respected institution would provide the foundation she needs for her ambitious career goals.

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For Karen, the journey through culinary school isn't just about learning to cook—it's about developing the expertise and confidence to eventually share her knowledge through cookbooks. Her one-word description of her career ambition—"Author"—reveals the thoughtful way she's approaching her education, seeing each lesson as a stepping stone toward not just creating delicious food, but also communicating her passion and techniques to others. When asked to describe NLU in a single word, Karen's response was enthusiastic: "Fun!" This sentiment perfectly reflects the joy she finds in her educational journey.

Karen's favorite class has been Breakfast, where she discovered the value of repetition in mastering culinary techniques. "I enjoyed the opportunity to make the same items multiple times," she explains. "Through repetition, you learn how to improve the efficiency of the process. You also get to know the ingredients better."

This methodical approach to cooking aligns perfectly with Karen's future career goal of becoming a cookbook author. By understanding not just the "what" but the "why" behind successful recipes, she's building the foundation for her literary culinary journey.

The path to mastery isn't without its challenges. Karen particularly values the practical experiences at NLU that push her outside her comfort zone. "I've enjoyed the practicals and the opportunities to cook for other people, like the breakfast buffet," she shares. "These experiences push you to strategize—you need to plan!—and troubleshoot while maintaining your composure."

These high-pressure situations have become valuable learning opportunities for Karen. "Each experience has taught me something new about my way of cooking and, most importantly, how I can improve. This will help me in my pursuit of publishing cookbooks."

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When asked about her favorite professor, Karen doesn't hesitate to name Chef Michael Salzinski. "He is a great leader and demonstrates genuine care for his students," she praises. "I love how thorough his lectures are, his high degree of organization, and how he simplifies cleanup by assigning tasks to students in an efficient manner."

Karen also highlights Chef Wook Kang's contribution to the school culture: "I believe he makes a conscious effort to address people by name and check in regularly. He has established a very positive relationship with the students I've met, and I believe he plays a key role in the school's culture."

It's clear that the sense of community at NLU has made a significant impact on Karen's educational experience. "I really enjoy how it feels to be at school. It's a warm community to be part of," she reflects. This sentiment informs her advice to new students: "Make a conscious effort to get to know your peers and indulge in all that Chicago has to offer."

As Karen continues her culinary journey at NLU, she's not just learning to create delicious, balanced meals—she's preparing for a future where she can share her knowledge and passion with others through cookbooks. Her determination, combined with the skills and experiences she's gaining at NLU, is setting her up for success in the culinary world.

Karen Dimopoulos embodies the spirit of NLU students: determined to realize their goals, passionate about their chosen fields, and committed to making the most of their educational experience. We can't wait to see her name on the shelves of bookstores in the culinary section someday!