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Northern Virginia Student Finds Inspiration at ECPI
By Norma Coto, Northern Virginia Campus
Arts and Sciences Program Director
M
edical Assisting student Sharon
Hanks is set to publish her first chil-
dren’s book this fall, and the motivation to
write it surfaced soon after beginning her
studies at ECPI University. “I have always
been a storyteller by nature,” says Hanks.
“I have always wanted to be a writer.
During a difficult time, I lost a bit of that
imagination, but going back to school and
writing academically inspired me to write
creatively again.”
She squeezes in writing time after she puts
her two children to bed, or on the week-
ends while they play, and even on campus.
Finding time to write around her children’s
schedule provides her with added inspira-
tion; after all, they are the main characters.
In the book, her daughter, Josie, grows
pumpkins while her son, Mitchell, grows
sunflowers. The children learn about soil,
sunlight, different plants, caring for a gar-
den, and the excitement of growing their
own food.
Her friend, Boyd Craven, Jr., who has writ-
ten eBooks and wanted to publish a series
of children books, encouraged her to be-
gin writing. She sent Craven about a dozen
story ideas, and he loved them. All of this
occurred at the same time Hanks began
her studies, a period of time she refers to
as “the perfect storm of opportunity.”
Hanks is not likely to run out of writing
ideas; she and her childhood sweetheart
run a farming business in the nearby town
of Winchester. What better occupation to
share with her young audience? However,
she also has plans to write for an adult
audience. In the meantime, she is focus-
ing on her kids, her farm, her children’s
book, and, of course, her medical assisting
studies.
Despite all her side interests, Hanks main-
tains a 3.9 GPA. Where does a student
with such motivation see herself in five
years? She smiles and says, “We will have
our own farm, be married, and I will be
working as a medical assistant or phle-
botomist. Of course, I will still continue my
writing – hopefully enjoying the stream of
royalty checks in the mail.
“ECPI University is providing me an op-
portunity to have a stable career and
benefits, and the accelerated schedule fits
in with my goals. Even though it is tough
to sustain the academic intensity, it meets
my personal goals. I’m proud to show my
children that hard work pays off.”
Culinary Students Compete at Meatball Challenge
F
ifteen teams of culinary students
recently competed to determine who
could create the most imaginative, tasty
meatballs…and there was more on the line
than simple bragging rights. The winner
got to represent ECPI University’s School
of Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute of
Virginia (CIV), at the Crazy Good Meatball
Challenge at the Mid-Atlantic Home and
Garden Show in Virginia Beach. Presiding
over that competition was none other than
Chef Mike Isabella,
Top Chef
contestant,
famous restaurant owner, and author of
the book,
Crazy Good Italian.
The winners: Mike Miles and Jason Lord
and their Crazy-Delicious Moroccan
Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce. Some of the
other lip-smacking entries included Bacon
Caprese Meatballs, Chorizo Meatballs
with Salsa Roja, Italian Mushroom Risotto
Meatballs with Spicy Tomato Jam, Greek
Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce, Smokey
Meatball Au Gratin, Carib-Asian Chicken
Meatballs.
The students, faculty, and staff of the
Culinary Institute of Virginia would like to
extend their gratitude to the guest chefs
who judged the event: Elizabeth Kloc from
Fellini’s, Matt Gibbs from Todd Jurich’s
Bistro, David Frohlich from Braise, Jose
Perez from Cedar Point Country Club,
Chris Jones from Riverstone Chophouse,
Peter Tseng from Westminster Canterbury,
and Leon Buenviaje from CP Shuckers.
“One of the most difficult things to do is to
take an abstract idea and bring it to fruition
on a plate,” says Peter Tseng. Several of
the chefs praised the students for their
imagination, simple, elegant flavors, and
presentation. As for the winning entry,
Fellini’s Elizabeth Kloc may have said it
best. “When I tasted it, it was like immedi-
ate ‘WOW’ factor.”
Meatball Winners Mike Miles and Jason Lord
Campus Provost Andy Gladstein presents CIV
chef coat to Chef Mike Isabella