COOKING AS A WAY TO CARE FOR PEOPLE

About the author: Kevin Cronise is a Culinary Institute of America student passionate about teamwork, nurturing people through food, and the art of hospitality.

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I didn’t choose the kitchen because I wanted to impress people. I chose it because food has always been my way of caring for others.

When I cook, I’m not just feeding someone — I’m trying to give them a moment of comfort, connection, or joy. Food has a unique way of communicating love, even when words fall short. That’s especially powerful in a world where people often feel unseen or unheard.

In culinary school, I’ve started to understand how intentional that care can be. It’s in sourcing ingredients responsibly, respecting cultural traditions, and paying attention to detail. A perfect seasoning or thoughtful presentation isn’t just technical skill, it’s empathy made visible.

As I move into my externship, I hope to work in an environment that values that same philosophy: that food has the power to nurture, heal, and connect us. Cooking is my craft, but more than that, it’s my way of contributing something positive to the world.

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