In a few years Everett Area High School senior Brett Cornell hopes to be running his own restaurant. He's already well on his way - working to learn his craft as a student in the Bedford County Technical Center's culinary arts curriculum and as a prep cook at Gateway Travel Plaza in Breezewood. Brett works part-time at the Gateway through the Tech Center's cooperative education program - earning high school credit while learning on the job. "The program is great; I've learned a lot here," Brett says.

His schedule varies - typically finding him at the Gateway up to four days a week - some days working making hot foods, some days doing cold prep for the salad bar, other days arriving at 5:30 a.m. to work in the bakery. "I'm training in all of the areas learning as much as I can about the business," he says. In addition to technical skills, Brett says he's used math more than he anticipated and he's also learning communication skills. "I didn't realize how important it is to be able to communicate well - with other workers, with customers. It's definitely brought home to me that you've got to be a people person and a team player if you want to succeed in this business."

Brett plans to go to college next fall to study hotel/restaurant management and hopes to eventually own a restaurant. "I'd like to stay in the county if I can," Brett says. "I like it here - the people, the history, the scenery. I know I'll need to get a lot of experience, but I feel I'm very self-motivated and can accomplish a lot if I stay focused."

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