Growing up in Gage Park, Elvis Martinez dreamed of working in a professional kitchen just like his uncle and cousin. He decided to follow his dream of becoming a professional cook after a friend told him about UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality Institute (UHCHI).

After applying to the program, he was accepted and began his journey. Just as Elvis was about to start the program, his mother fell ill. Feeling overwhelmed on the first day of class, he told the Chef instructor that he did not want to waste Chef’s time and that he would not be coming back the next day. Elvis remembers Chef saying, “I won’t let you quit something that I know is your dream. We are going to work through this together.” He returned for the second day and attributed the ongoing support that UHCHI provided to help him complete the eight-week in-class training and eventually land his dream job as a cook at the Chicago Hilton and Towers.

Despite growing up with a learning disability, he worked around to earn good grades throughout high school, but Elvis struggled when he went to college. He didn’t enjoy the topics he was studying, nor did he receive the support to succeed. He worked full-time and went to school full-time until eventually leaving college. Elvis credits the Chef instructors and the UHCHI team with providing him (and the rest of his cohort) with the support and care each of them needed. Elvis stated, “College is expensive. With UHCHI, I didn’t pay anything. And I had the support and tools I needed. Not only do they teach you, prepare you, and help you get a job, you gain many friends. It feels like another family.” From tutoring to a knife kit, the textbook, work shoes, transportation for students who need it, and financial coaching services, Elvis said he is honored to have such an extensive support system. “UHCHI didn’t just meet me halfway – they constantly make sure I’m where I’m supposed to be and I have the tools I need to succeed. The UHCHI team didn’t just care about our performance but our well-being too. On day one, they didn’t know us, but they already loved us regardless. That was a huge motivation for me.”

After eight weeks of in-class training, Elvis took some time to care for his mother. Thankfully, things started improving, and he was ready for on-the-job training. With support from UHCHI, he got a job as a cook at the Hilton Chicago. Before UHCHI, Elvis worked a minimum wage job in Indiana, making $13 per hour. He now has an excellent job at the Chicago Hilton, earning $20 per hour as a Cook III; he can pay his bills and help his family. Elvis said, “I love my job. It is exciting. Every day is different. I see food as a form of art. It feels great to do a form of art through cooking.” As Elvis reflected on the impact UHCHI has had on his life, he responded, “Having a learning disability used to cause me anxiety. I was constantly worried about failing tests. But with UHCHI, it is refreshing to know that I wouldn’t be judged that I learn differently from other students. I don’t have to feel embarrassed. Because at the end of the day, I will learn the task, and I know I can do that. I’m proud of myself because I know I can do what I’m passionate about.”