Graduate Spotlight: What a difference a Christmas can make

Submitted December 23, 2010 by Ben Shine | 0 comments

This year, Ray Westmoreland is facing a different kind of holiday season than he did in the past. Two years ago, he says, he had a “major attitude” about the holidays, and life in general. “The financials weren’t as good as they could have been.” He says. “I was in poor health and I was unsure of myself.” That was before he found the Second Helpings Culinary Job Training program.

Ray always had a talent for cooking and came to Second Helpings with years of restaurant experience. What he lacked was the self confidence and professional presence to make his career happen in the way he really wanted. Through the program, Ray found his confidence and direction. After graduation in the in November 2009, Ray went right to work on creating the life he had always wanted for he and his family.


“This year, the holidays are a whole lot different.” He says. Ray and his wife, Serena, both work full time and are in the process of building a new home. Ray works in food service at Pearson Education, managing breakfast and lunch shifts at the publishing house. He and Serena also have a catering business on the side, Indy Mobile Chef.
Even more than a year out from the program, Ray still keeps grateful attitude for what he learned at Second Helpings, saying, “I am the person I am because of the skills and education I got from Second Helpings. “
 

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