Developing Independence Through Cooking

When I first moved out on my own, I quickly realized that cooking wasn’t just about preparing meals; it was about taking responsibility for my own well-being. At home, I had always relied on others to cook for me, but living alone meant I had to learn how to nourish myself. In the beginning, I struggled with simple tasks like chopping vegetables and following recipes. But over time, I developed a sense of independence in the kitchen.

I learned how to prepare basic dishes and eventually became confident in my ability to create meals from scratch. The more I practiced, the more I realized how empowering cooking can be. It’s not just about eating, but about making choices for myself, experimenting with flavors, and knowing that I can take care of my own needs. Today, cooking has become one of my favorite activities, and it’s a skill I rely on daily. Developing independence through cooking has made me more self-sufficient and has given me a sense of accomplishment that I didn’t expect when I first started.

SUMMARIZE SECTION

Summarize the reading in your own words or use the questions to help you explain the main points.

  1. What was the author’s initial experience with cooking when they first moved out?

  2. How did the author’s feelings about cooking change over time?

  3. How has cooking made the author feel more independent?

Your Summary: _____________________________

PARAPHRASE THIS POINT

Say this sentence in fewer words.

Look at this sentence: "The more I practiced, the more I realized how empowering cooking can be."

Your Sentence: _____________________________

VOCABULARY SECTION

Nourish – To provide with the food or other substances necessary for growth and health.
Example: "She nourished her body with healthy meals after the workout."
Your Sentence: _____________________________

 

Struggle – To make a great effort to do something.
Example: "He struggled to understand the new software at work."
Your Sentence: _____________________________

 

Empowering – Making someone feel more confident and in control of their own life.
Example: "The experience of volunteering was empowering for her."
Your Sentence: _____________________________

 

Self-sufficient – Able to take care of oneself without the help of others.
Example: "Living alone has made me more self-sufficient."
Your Sentence: _____________________________

 

Accomplishment – Something that has been achieved successfully.
Example: "Winning the competition was a huge accomplishment for her."
Your Sentence: _____________________________

QUOTE FROM THE READING

  • What does the author say about how cooking has impacted their sense of independence?

  • Respond with a quote from the reading.

Your Thoughts: _____________________________

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