Now that it's finally summer, we all (hopefully) have enough time to try something new. It could be a new hobby, a new job, or even watching a new show. Each little change can be so exciting and lead to more new things.

One thing that I've tried recently was leaning how to cook. I've always loved the idea of different styles of food from different countries, but I can't travel to all those different countries on a college student's budget. The next best thing is to make it myself. Visiting a farmer's market with locally grown ingredients and friendly locals, finding a recipe online that I can't wait to try, the disappointment when it doesn't turn out how I thought, and the satisfaction of finally making something delicious is something that I can't experience by just eating.

Ingredients for a Successful Cooking Experience:

1. Start off simple: Cooking doesn't have to be so difficult. It just takes some practice and a love for good quality, simple foods. You don't have to make a souffle on your first attempt! It could be something easy like a new take on boxed mac n' cheese or a simple salad.

2. Find recipes for foods you already enjoy: Nothing is more fun than trying to recreate something and make it your own. Who knows; you might improve it! I love Asian food, so I enjoy making these kinds of dishes and seeing how I can make them my own, but it could be any kind of food you love to eat.

3. Have a cooking buddy: Most activities are more fun when you have someone to enjoy them with. Having a cooking buddy makes the tasks simpler and easier to handle. Picking the right buddy is essential since you'll have to be working together. Pick someone who isn't going to take control or make you do all the work. The point is to have fun, so pick someone you know you'll have fun with.

4. Be patient: Any skill takes time; cooking is no different. You won't be good right away, but keep trying. Don't be afraid to make something that doesn't taste good. You'll just learn what to do differently the next time.

5. Try new foods to expand your pallet: The best part about cooking is the eating! Try different things and recreate them with your own twist. Food is a great way to expand your horizon of different countries and people. Being willing to learn and try new things is what cooking is all about. Seeing how different countries present different dishes is an good way to broaden your knowledge of food.

Nothing compares to working hard to accomplish something delicious and being able to share it with others (or you could just keep it for yourself). Cooking can take you on a wonderful adventure, so even if you're afraid you won't be good at it, give it a try. That's what I did, and I'm very happy I did it.

Once you taste if for yourself, you'll love it!