(Photo by Vasilisa Nesterenko)

By Vasilisa Nesterenko | Staff Writer

Dean Waldrop is a 20-year-old student at KCC majoring in Culinary Arts. Starting his studies in Spring 2025, Waldrop enjoys his classes. What he likes most about KCC is the welcoming community of his classmates, who are “really invested in food and respect the teachers.” He says that studying at KCC is very different from high school because no one is forced to study.

“It seems like everyone truly wants to be here,” he said.

Growing up in Hawai‘i Kai, Waldrop decided to attend school here to stay close to his family. He chose the Culinary Arts program at KCC because making food for others is his greatest passion. Although Waldrop doesn’t cook for himself often, he feels truly satisfied when he sees people enjoying his food.

“When I make someone a meal and see them smile … that’s the world to me,” Waldrop said.

As for his favorite meal to make, Waldrop enjoys cooking anything with eggs. He even agreed to share his secret omelet recipe, which he makes using “just a little bit of salt and pepper and any kind of cream.” The key, he says, is to use a cold pan and “the lowest heat you can get.”

“A lot of people are scared to undercook their eggs,” he said. “But eggs cook so fast that you really just need a little bit of low heat and fry them for a few minutes, and they turn out the perfect color.”