Dear Jill,
I hope you are doing good. I am writing this letter to advise you to get some work experience before pursing college education.
Since you are my childhood friend, I am fully aware about your interests. I know you have always been a proponent of trying things practically rather than learning mere facts. Thus, going to college will be a bad idea at this moment. Moreover, you will have to spare a lot of time to attend classes and make assignments, which I know is a tough task for you.
However, getting a job will enable you to showcase your skills and earn money at the same time. This experience will also help you to secure your future and with time you can easily get a highly paid job. Also, this will be an opportunity for you to save money and form contacts that can be helpful for your life.
As you have done a short cookery course, I think you should find jobs in hotel industry. I am positive that you will be a great chef or else you can also try working as food inspector.
I hope you will find my advice useful.
Yours sincerely,
Preet Sohi