By Amir Maharjan '20

Every one of the participants left "Knife Skills & Quick Cuisines 101" with a new slate of skills that they could brag about to their friends and a recipe to make something special for friends and family.

Jason Crouch, executive chef for Bon Appetit, conducted the event, demonstrating how to pick the proper knives and use them like a professional.

"I'm going home this weekend and I'm planning on using the skills I've learned and the recipe we were given to make my parents a well-deserved meal," said Janie Sutherd ‘20.

The event was part of the KNext Step Series, which aims to better prepare Knox students for life after college.

A collaboration between the Alumni Relations Office and the Bastian Family Career Center, the KNext Step Life Skills Series is coordinated by Eric Johnson, associate director of alumni engagement, and Jennifer Gallas, associate director of alumni and constituent programs.

"If someone attends KNext Step events on a regular basis, they're going to improve their ability to cope with the challenges of everyday life," said Johnson. "We consider students to be alumni the moment they start at Knox, and we hope they can gain real life skills."

Previous KNext Step events have included a session on credit management, conducted by Chris Rollins '04, a financial specialist with University of Wisconsin Credit Union, and "Everything You Need to Know About Being a New Employee (But are afraid to ask)," led by Linda Peart '88, assistant human resources manager at NTN-Bower Corporation in Macomb, Illinois.

"These sessions are beyond helpful," said Zoe Luo '18. "They contain some of the most practical, urgent information that I've learned at Knox and in my life."