Discover Our Students’ Experiences Through Their Own Words: Jeff Tarver

“As overseer for food services at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, I have responsibility for managing the operations and nutritional needs for scores of patients and staff every day. The training I received at El Centro has been invaluable in my 22-year career at the hospital. My advice for up-and-coming students considering a career in culinary arts: A degree from El Centro Food and Hospitality Institute will unlock an unlimited amount of doors, but it is up to you to step through them.”

A student with a red jacket poses for a photo in a downtown setting

Stephanie Gutierrez

Culinary Student

“At El Centro’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute, I’m learning how to plan a menu and use time management in the kitchen. Now with SkillsUSA, it’s teaching me to get where I want to go.”

Culinary and Pastry Arts

Albert Pantoja III

Senior Accountant American Home Mortgage Servicing

“My experience was really good; I learned a lot about different types of loans, underwriting and loan origination. The program gave us a broad overview from the get-go. I didn’t have any previous experience in mortgage banking at all, so it really helped me to prepare for changing jobs into the industry.”

Banking and Finance

Tammy White

Project Manager Verizon Telecom

“The most important thing I learned in my education was a sense of accomplishment and purpose, and that nothing is impossible as long as I am willing to expend the effort to reach my goals. I have been promoted a number of times in recent years, into positions of more and more responsibility as a direct result of my education.”

Business, Business and Management