Meet Christopher
Where are you from and what high school did you attend?
I am from Dorchester, MA and I attended Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School through the METCO program.
Besides cooking, what other passions and interests do you have and how do you fulfill them?
Besides cooking I am very interested in math and all things science-related. I am particularly interested in virtual reality and artificial intelligence technology. I fulfill these passions by reading to gain more knowledge about them, playing video games and I follow folks who are leading these fields on youtube and/or other social media platforms.
What would you tell other young people about Future Chefs who are interested in joining our program?
I would tell other young people who are interested in joining Future Chefs that it is a great program - you get to prepare and eat different foods and the other kids are interesting and fun.
What are your school, career, and life goals over the next 3-5 years?
In the fall I plan to attend Umass Lowell as a Biology student with a Biotechnology concentration. My goals over the next 3-5 years are to complete my BS in Biotechnology and work in the Biotechnology field (lab). I know I will have to get an advanced degree to become a leader in this field, so my main goal is to do what I need to do to become a leader in the Biotechnology industry. I want to solve problems and find cures for things like cancer and Covid-19.
How did you hear about Future Chefs? What made you join the program?
I heard about Future Chefs from my mother. I joined Future Chefs because I was interested in learning how to cook and I wanted to expand the foods I would eat. I have a lot of allergies and that made me hesitant to try different foods, so I thought if I learned more about food preparation and safety, I would be willing to explore other foods. I did look into taking cooking classes, however, many of the programs I found were geared to younger kids or adults, so it was really nice to find a program that was focused on teens.
Did you have an interest in food before joining Future Chefs?
I still see food as a means to an end, that is to provide fuel for my body to survive, but I now see why other people really enjoy food.
Would you recommend FC to other young people?
I would recommend FC to other young people who are interested in cooking and working with other young people who want to learn to cook and who want to challenge themselves outside their comfort zone. The staff and students are welcoming, supportive, and fun. It was not a bad way to spend two afternoons a week after school.
How has Future Chefs activities expanded your confidence?
Future Chefs activities expanded my confidence in many ways. Regarding cooking, I feel more confident regarding food safety. For example, what is the right temperature to cook chicken and how to properly clean dishes and other kitchen items. I also feel more confident in participating in large events and discussions because of Future Chefs. I attended several events where we (the FC students) participated in deep and interesting discussions with adults.