Cook Out, Chaos, and Why Students Need A Bigger Menu

A bizarre internet meme about Cook Out and its legendary tray menu sparks a surprisingly thoughtful reflection on schools, identity, and the environments that shape young people. What begins with the question “What if a main entrée was a side dish?” becomes a deeper conversation about possibility, belonging, interdisciplinary exploration, and why some of the most transformative parts of education are often treated as secondary experiences.Corey Alderdice, a national voice on talent and transformation, explores what Cook Out’s “chaotic abundance” can teach us about the future of education, the importance of environments that grant students permission to imagine larger futures for themselves, and why the schools students remember most are often the ones that make life feel expansive rather than simply efficient.For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.