As chair of Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Arts Program, Betsy Fischer has worn many hats over her decades-long career: administrator, publicist, teacher, and mentor. The one she’s never claimed is a chef’s toque.
Trained as a vocalist rather than a chef, Fischer brings a performer’s instincts to her front-of-house hospitality training, teaching students that service and connection matter as much as knife skills. That perspective has defined her leadership style in the classroom and in the student-run dining room, where she’s a constant presence.
On May 24, she’ll walk with her graduating students for the last time, leaving behind a program and a generation of students shaped by her influence.
Saying goodbye
I’m turning 70 this year. This has been my whole life for 26 years, but it’s a 50-60-hour-a-week job as chair. It’s bittersweet, but I’m tired. At some point, you think, ‘I’ve done what I wanted to do.’ I won’t lose touch with this place — it’s too much a part of who I am. I plan to come back at some point and teach a few classes.
The perks of teaching
The biggest joy as a teacher is that moment you know you’ve connected to someone in the classroom. That doesn’t always happen, but the pleasure of teaching is knowing you’ve given students a set of skills and a passion and a better chance of finding their way. You know you have the potential to change people’s lives.
Why culinary school matters
We are a conduit for students that have no experience in the food world. Just because grandma taught you to make spaghetti sauce, doesn’t mean you understand how to open a restaurant. They’re looking for guidance and help because they love to cook, and this is a comfort zone for them to expand their abilities. This is a very difficult business and we tell them the whole story and help them avoid pitfalls.
Lasting advice
For me it’s always been about things falling in my lap — being in the right place at the right time. Be open to anything. If you have an opportunity, take it. You never know what doors will open when you tell people who you are and what you’re interested in.