HONOLULU (KHON2) — A University of Hawaii Maui College student will walk across the stage in May earning two associate of applied arts degrees, one in culinary arts and another in baking and pastry.
Not only did Ryan Chang make an impact in the kitchen as a student assistant, but he also played a pivotal role in preparing thousands of meals for those affected by the Maui wildfires in August.
According to UH Maui College, Chang is a hardworking student who supervises and supports operations at the campus’ fine dining Leis Family Class Act Restaurant.
During the August 2023 wildfires, Chang played a key role in central operations, helping put together thousands of meals for fire victims, emergency responders and volunteers.
“There’s so many people who needed assistance during that time, and not just people that were displaced by the fires,” expressed Chang. “It felt really good to help our community.”
Chef Instructor Mark Malone revealed that Ryan’s leadership shined through and said “it was almost as if we were answering to Ryan instead of him answering to us, but it was done in the most professional and best way to show his genuine care.”
In addition to preparing meals, Chang used a cooler to transfer the meals around and ensured each one was filled with “the correct number of meals and was sent to the right locations at the right time.”
Chang’s actions and leadership skills have already made an impact on other Maui College students. After he graduates, Chang hopes to get more industry experience to make his final decision between cooking and baking.
“I think having those skills like in my pocket, I have the confidence to work anywhere,” Chang added.
