Rayan is an ambitious and hardworking individual who has found his passion for cooking while working at various food service jobs, including at a Chinese restaurant and a frozen yogurt shop. Growing up watching cooking shows on Food Network and experimenting in the kitchen, Rayan’s interest in food has always been constant. Despite having faced significant personal challenges, including family and legal issues that led him to group homes, Rayan overcame these setbacks, earned his GED, and quickly realized that his dream of owning a restaurant could be within reach—though he is still figuring out his path.

Rayan’s internship at Rethink Food Sustainable Community Kitchen with chef  Ken Baker has allowed him to take his skills to the next level. He is learning to work in a professional kitchen, gaining hands-on experience in everything from prepping chicken salad and chopping vegetables to frying fish and working large family-style portions. He especially enjoyed working with Chef Ken, who has been a supportive mentor, teaching him the nuances of running a kitchen and preparing large meals. The collaborative and family-like atmosphere at Sprouts has made him feel welcome and empowered, and he has become more confident in his abilities—whether it’s cooking, managing a busy kitchen, or developing his organizational skills.

Rayan has learned a lot about cooking large portions of food, an essential skill for catering, and he now feels more confident cooking for his own family. He’s particularly proud of his progress with the fryer, where he cooked a whole sandwich from frying to plating, and it was well-received by the team. He’s also excited about the possibility of fine dining and is interested in expanding his knowledge of plating and garnishing.

His internship has shown him how much goes into running a kitchen, and while it’s a long-term goal, he now feels like it’s more achievable than ever. Beyond his culinary ambitions, Rayan has been motivated by the opportunity to help others through food and is proud to be part of an environment where his work contributes to feeding those in need.

Outside the kitchen, Rayan enjoys lifting weights, running, and swimming, which help him stay physically and mentally fit. He’s also considering enlisting in the Navy, seeking to balance his passion for food with a broader sense of purpose. Above all, Rayan is proud of the progress he’s made, the relationships he’s built, and the lessons he’s learned during his time at Sprouts. The experience has not only boosted his skills but also his confidence in his ability to work hard, learn, and grow toward his dreams.

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