Narrative
12/10/25
Over the course of several weeks, I have collected interviews peers over the world about
The Food Experience
It’s not about the food. It is about who is sitting in front of you when eating the food.
Q1: What do you love about food?
Dev (student from Shakers High School in upstate NY): I love that food has a bunch of different flavors and textures, which can almost soothe a person. Just the sheer variety means that you can have whatever mood you want in food, and food will almost always improve your mood if it’s down.
Cayla Liu (High School Student in Shanghai): I’m the kind of person who eats food when I feel down. I think food can make me feel happy. And I am always excited to explore different food choices.
Rui (student from Shakers High School in upstate NY): I love how it tastes good and it helps me feel very happy when I'm sad (like a medicine)
Allison Wu (Freshman at Columbia University): I like food because there are many diverse flavors to try out.
Ella Gu (Student at Shrewsberry High School in England): Definitely for the flavour.
Harry Hao (Senior at Canadian Mennonite University in Canada): Food represents a profound connection between faith, community, and justice. It is not merely physical nourishment but a divine gift meant to be shared, reflecting God's provision and calling for compassion and equality.
Q2: What is your go-to restaurant in your area?
Dev (student from public high school in upstate New York): For real food probably delmonicos but my guilty pleasure is Daves hot chicken its so unhealthy but its so good.
Cayla Liu (High School Student in Shanghai): I like to order take-outs the most because it is super convenient in Shanghai. But I go to 刘文祥 拌将, sometimes McDonalds and Hunan noodle place.
Rui (student from Shakers High School in upstate NY): Probably northeast restaurant
Allison Wu (Freshman at Columbia University): My go-to restaurant is Kyuramen.
Ella Gu (Student at Shrewsberry High School in England): umai
Harry Hao (Senior at Canadian Mennonite University in Canada): In Winnipeg, I like frequent places like Folio Cafe at my university or communal dining spaces that emphasize togetherness and simplicity, aligning with my appreciation for shared meals and meaningful interactions.
Q3: How does food affect your daily life (mood, motivation, reward)?
Dev (student from public high school in upstate New York): Food affects me everyday, and determining what to eat is always a challenge. When I wake up, I'm typically hungry, so I eat some small snack like a banana. If I'm going to school at 7, I normally pack a sandwich to eat and then I anxiously wait for my lunchtime, because I get super hungry doing schoolwork. In terms of mood, seeing good food and eating good food cheers me up while eating most fast foods (McDonalds is especially bad for this) I feel somehow more unhealthy and a little sick. In terms of food as a reward or motivation, I suppose sometimes I'll eat some dark chocolate if I feel like I've done well in a quiz or test or if I've done poorly in a quiz or test, just to boost my mood.
Cayla Liu (High School Student in Shanghai): Food affects my mood. When I am stressed, I eat. But when I am on a diet, sometimes I would reward myself with high-calorie food.
Rui (student from Shakers High School in upstate NY): Food makes me motivated to do work after a long day of school but also if i eat too much i feel sick and i get really sad and tired
Allison Wu (Freshman at Columbia University): I’d say every week I look forward to the weekend when I can eat new food outside of school and it’s a big source of motivation.
Ella Gu (Student at Shrewsberry High School in England): food gives me energy, especially desserts when im feeling down, trying new food also gives me new experiences
Harry Hao (Senior at Canadian Mennonite University in Canada): Food shapes my daily life by reminding me to practice gratitude, resist wasteful consumerism, and extend love to neighbors through acts of hospitality and generosity, turning everyday meals into opportunities for spiritual reflection and communal bonding