Thanks Mezz and Bughut. I already feel well taken care of here.
To answer your questions, I have no idea where I would like to specialize, just that I would like to cook professionally. I do love chinese food though, and I love to Wok at home with flavours like onions,garlic,ginger,oyster,sesame,peanut, etc.
No family history to speak of, although my mother/grandmothers are all very talented cooks
I'm coming from zero experience, so my plan is to take an introductory course, learn everything I need to know to work the line, then find an externship or find a good job, apply for an apprenticeship, and work towards my red seal.
Right now I'm all passion and motivation, and no real-world knowledge of how it's gonna be. So yeah, it's scary, but I feel very ready to jump right in.
Thanks again! (and p.s. my 'handle' was my nickname in university, not sure why...)