P is for Persistence.

It took three tries for Paul to complete Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program.

“For me, the saying ‘third time’s a charm’ couldn’t be truer,” said Paul. When he first started the program, he couldn’t focus. The pandemic only made things worse. He didn’t have any income and transportation was a challenge.

Helping his mom with her catering business gave him the passion to try one more time.

“Starting over again was the hardest part, but I know this isn’t just a hobby. This is a future, my future.”

Over 16 weeks, Paul honed his skills in the kitchen with lessons in food safety, knife skills, time management and plating. He also soaked up important life skills on interviewing, teamwork, communication and budgeting.

“The biggest lesson I learned in the Culinary Training Program is to be coachable, to take feedback and look for opportunities to improve, in the kitchen and in life.”

Before graduation, Paul started working at a local country club where he continues to learn every day.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity and encouragement to finish what I started. I know when I’m in the kitchen I will always be connected to my mom.”