The Inside Perspective: Youth Reflections

The youth in our programs are at the heart of what we do at Brainfood. We Brainfood instructors have the privilege to engage with teen participants on a daily basis. Those of you who support us in various ways may have the same privilege of interacting with our amazing young people if you serve as a Weekly Classroom Assistant or attend our community events. However, some of you may not have had the chance to meet our participants, so I decided to dedicate this space to youth voices and give you all an insider's perspective!

This week's blog post features six of our many enthusiastic first-year Kitchen All Stars participants. Each readily shared with me their unique perspective on what brought them to Brainfood in the first place and what motivates them to continue to invest in our program.

Asia

Why were you interested in joining Brainfood?
“I’m not exactly ‘well-versed’ in cooking, and I only know how to cook certain dishes. However, some of my friends went to Brainfood and, at their events, the food was pretty good.”

If you cook at home, what kinds of things do you like to make?
“I usually cook lasagna, spaghetti, or sides like macaroni and cheese. Lasagna is my mom’s favorite, so it is a little sentimental.”

What makes you keep coming to Brainfood?
“The surprise of something brand new every time.”
 

Miheret

Why were you interested in joining Brainfood?
“I’ve always had a secret passion for cooking, and I thought Brainfood was a great opportunity for me to make a realistic new hobby.”

Is there anything that has surprised you?
“Brainfood has surprised me on a variety of things, but mainly I was surprised at how fair they’ve made everything for everybody. They do not show favoritism, and they always seem to have positive attitudes even in difficult situations.”

What makes you keep coming to Brainfood?
“There is always something new, so that encourages me to keep coming to the classes.”
 

Pedro

Why were you interested in joining Brainfood?
“I wanted to learn how to cook and also because I thought it was going to be a great opportunity.”

What is one thing you have learned at Brainfood?
“I have learned how to measure, how to use a knife, and how to cut an onion.”

What makes you keep coming to Brainfood?
“I learn something every day.”
 

Sara

Why were you interested in joining Brainfood?
“I was interested in joining Brainfood last year when I went to support a friend on the last day of the program. I wanted to learn how to cook and learn some new skills, along with meeting new people.”

What has been your favorite recipe so far?
“The quiche recipe. I had never heard of or tried a quiche before so it was nice trying something new… and the way it tasted at the end was amazing!”

What makes you keep coming to Brainfood?
“Every Tuesday and Thursday I look forward to going to Brainfood to learn a new kitchen skill and a new recipe that I always share with my family.”
 

Jordan

Why were you interested in joining Brainfood?
“I enjoy cooking and making food. I also look forward to eating it.”

Is there anything that has surprised you?
“I was surprised when we made desserts with vegetables.”

What makes you keep coming to Brainfood?
“I always look forward to making something new.”
 

Francisco

Why were you interested in joining Brainfood?
“I wanted to perfect my cooking skills and also wanted to try new things.”

What is one thing you have learned at Brainfood?
 “So far, I’ve learned that cooking needs patience.”

What makes you keep coming to Brainfood?
“Everyone. The staff, teachers, students are all kind and cool people. Brainfood is a place where you can take your mind off anything and focus on just cooking.”
 

As I think about the presence provided by each teen in our program, I am grateful and uplifted.

The high school students who gather in our kitchens come eager to learn and try new things every day.

In a society that often undervalues its youth, I cherish the opportunity to work alongside ambitious, curious, inspiring young people.