Melissa Callejas-Arellano may be halfway around the world in Mexico, but thanks to a new Gzowski College series, she is sharing her love of cooking with her fellow students at Trent.

“I’ve always enjoyed cooking as a way to bring people together,” shared Ms. Callejas-Arellano, Gzowski College student ambassador and third-year Mathematical Economics student. “Even though I’m studying at Trent from my home country this year, I’m still able to be a part of my College community while sharing a little bit of my own culture.”

In collaboration with Trent International and a number of Trent student associations, the Gzowski College Food of the World series features students cooking an international cuisine over Zoom. Recipes are shared beforehand so students can join the call and cook along-side the student leading that particular session.

“Students get to try different tastes from other countries, get familiar with ingredient that they might not know and share these traditional foods with their close friends and family to enjoy,” explained Irene Flores Perez, second-year Biology and Psychology student and member of  the Trent Organization for Hispanic and Latino Awareness (HOLA). She made pico de gallo during a recent Food of the World session. Other dishes that have been featured so far include stir-fry noodles, enchiladas and horchata.

“In these difficult times, it’s great that students can take a short break and improve their cooking skills,” added Ms. Perez

Unlike a traditional cooking show, this virtual series allows students to actively participate in the demo, ask questions and share their own food stories.

“We wanted to create a space where students can interact and socialize,” shared Dr. Melanie Buddle, principal of Gzowski College. “While learning a new skill and having something delicious to eat at the end of it.”

Gzowski Food of the World happens every Thursday at 10 a.m. on Zoom.  

Learn more about the Gzowski College and how to get involved in the Trent community.