My favorite time of year has come around, because "MasterChef" is back. It is a pretty interesting show. It's fueled with the competitiveness and the awesome food that the contestants make in order to impress the judges- one of them being the all intimidating and more times than not, angry Gordon Ramsay. What’s even better than "MasterChef" and seeing adults battle it out is "MasterChef Junior," also known as the best show on earth.
I started watching "MasterChef Junior" when I first started college. I was stressed because of schoolwork and the competitiveness of upgrading my resume. I just needed some good wholesome television to really wind down and relax and remember one of my favorite parts in life because they are so cute- kids. Even better than kids are kids that are paving the culinary world with such rigor yet keeping friendliness and sharing showmanship.
One of my favorite aspects about "MasterChef Junior" is that the kids are so talented. The vetting that goes into selecting the contestants from day one of this show is done incredibly. On the first premiere of any "MasterChef Junior" season, it's so difficult to choose which contestant is my favorite because I'm blindsided by the fact that they are light-years better at cooking than I will ever be, and they're just under fifteen years old!
It is so inspiring to see children follow their passions. Even if many say that the restaurant business is one of the riskiest businesses, it’s obvious that it does not deter them from dedicating their young lives to doing the things they love most which is so important in the development of any young person.
The worst part of the show is elimination time. Every episode, one or two contestants get eliminated from the show in order for there to be two finalists in the end. I wish they could all win. However, when the contestants do get eliminated, they are not the only ones who cry. Their fellow contestants, the ones who are still in the competition, reach out with open arms and support each other through the tears. I’ve never seen such amazing showmanship on a competition show. It’s one of the more positive reality television shows I’ve seen in such a long time that makes the viewer really feel extremely inspired in all sorts of ways by the children.
Another one of my favorite parts of the show is the glimpse of softness and gentleness that Gordon Ramsay observes. How can someone so hot-headed and known for his unique foul-mouthed mannerisms be as sweet as this man on "MasterChef Junior?" Ramsay is a hero of mine and I look up to him and admire his work ethic. I knew he was hiding some softness since he does have four children of his own that all have great relationships with him. When a contestant becomes overwhelmed and begins crying, Ramsay rushes to their side and manually helps or talks them through their anxiety. It’s really the sweetest thing and it’s just what these kids need in order to stay motivated to follow their dreamsI hope that adults, including parents and guardians, can learn from this method of positive reinforcement because it really makes all the difference in a child’s development and especially their motivation to reach their full potential.
Watch a glimpse below of season five that just premiered last Thursday. I strongly encourage you all to check it out.
