Cooking Up Confidence: Anthony’s Journey
When we met Anthony he was in his final year of high school, standing at a crossroads and unsure of his next steps. That’s when UNITI-WISE Employment Solutions entered the picture. We run a Youth Employment Research Project called IMPACT. This initiative is all about empowering young people—helping them build networks, develop essential employment skills, and gain valuable work experience during the summer months. It was through IMPACT that Anthony’s employment exploration began.
During our first meeting with Anthony, he was in his own bubble. With his eyes closed for most of the meeting, we weren’t sure if he was meditating, napping, or pretending not to notice us. “Anthony, do you need anything?” One eye cracked open, a fun grin spread across his face, “Nah, I’m just sleepy.” Sleepy or not, his teacher assured us Anthony was bright and sharp — though not exactly the kind of person to ask for directions .
Anthony’s authentic self soon showed once he warmed up to us. His quiet demeanor hid a quick wit and a mind full of unexpected quirks that made our employment workshops vibrant and fun. During a casual conversation about hobbies, he revealed his passion: food. “Food is life,” he declared with a seriousness that made everyone laugh. He wasn’t joking, though. Anthony had taken culinary arts three times in school, not because he had to, but because he wanted to.
His enthusiasm for food didn’t stop at school… On weekends, he’d hop on a bus from Surrey to Vancouver, trekking across the city to explore new restaurants. His mom called it determination – something we started noticing Anthony often showed! With that kind of devotion to the culinary world, it seemed only natural to guide Anthony toward a work experience in a restaurant setting.
As summer rolled in, Anthony dove into a series of learnings that helped him prepare for the workplace. He learned about job expectations, polished his interview skills, and mastered the art of crafting strong job applications. Additionally, he earned crucial certifications like CPR and First Aid that are key stepping stones for many professions.
Anthony’s journey wasn’t easy. The search felt endless with countless job applications and hours spent responding to “We Are Hiring” signs. In August 2024, his hard work led him to a part-time paid work experience opportunity, marking an exciting new chapter in his story – working at a restaurant!
There were a few bumps along the way as Anthony navigated some early challenges, like balancing his time and staying focused. There were friendly reminders like, “Put your phone away” and coaching sessions about time management were needed. Like many youth, Anthony enjoyed sharing his day with friends and family, often eager to chat on his phone. But with the support from the team and thoughtful guidance from his manager, he began to shift his focus. He learned to prioritize safety and stay committed to his tasks while on the job.
True to his resilient nature, Anthony embraced the feedback and used it to grow. With each day in the kitchen, he became more adept at mastering the roles and responsibilities of a kitchen helper, demonstrating his willingness to learn and adapt.
When I visited the restaurant last time, I found him hunched over a massive bowl of onions, his hands moving swiftly with practiced ease. The chef was busy at the stove, preparing a rich, aromatic stew that filled the small kitchen, and Anthony seemed perfectly at home. The manager spoke warmly about his work and how his dry humor brought lightness to even the busiest days.
Although the work experience has ended, it’s clear that Anthony has found his groove. He’s no longer just the shy, sleepy teenager we first met. He belonged to a team and added his unique flavor (pun intended) to the restaurant’s kitchen. Watching him grow into that role has been like seeing a recipe come together: a little messy at first, but with the right ingredients and attention, something truly wonderful took shape.
Anthony’s story is far from over. With his passion as his compass and his dreams lighting the way, he’s set to keep growing, learning, and succeeding. We have no doubt he’ll continue carving out a path as vibrant and flavorful as the dishes he loves to create!
Written by Anthony’s Employment Specialist, LP