meet annika
Where are you from and what high school did you attend?
I’m from Boston, born and raised, and I attend Weston High School in Weston MA.
Besides cooking, what other passions and interests do you have? How do you fulfill these passions/interests?
I like painting, sculpting things out of clay, and just making things in general. I do that by thinking creatively and trying to put a creative spin on everything.
What would you tell other young people who are interested in joining our program about Future Chefs?
I would say, come in with an open eye, don’t think it’s going to be one thing all the time, and be ready to come into a community that’s going to be welcoming and supportive.
What are your school, career, and life goals over the next 3-5 years?
Over the next 3-5 years I see myself doing really well in school and be ready to graduate from college. I have worked a lot to support myself. I hope to have had fun in college, have learned a lot and to have built a community that is supportive and one that would be comfortable. Also, be on track in creating a life that I want to live.
How has the Future Chefs program impacted you?
It impacted me in a way that is very positive, to be able to see the ups and downs of creating something and seeing hard work come to flourish. It’s nice to see a group of people succeed and know that you helped them and know that they want you to succeed as well.
Would you recommend FC to other young people?
Yes, for a bunch of different reasons, mainly because it's not restrictive and because it's a space where you come to cook, but you also come to learn. It's a very positive space and one that can be very transformative if you give it the chance. Plus the group of people is wonderful. And the program is what you make, if you make it positive it will be positive.