Discover Our Students’ Experiences Through Their Own Words: Sarah Martinez

“I can't remember specific classes or teachers, but I do remember an overwhelming sense of pride and confidence from all the instructors that taught in this program. I knew I was learning from true industry leaders with passion and firsthand knowledge of what they were teaching. It definitely made me develop a yearning to be an expert of my very own in this amazing industry.

“This program definitely made me feel inclusive and opens its doors to all walks of life to an industry that otherwise I would have never experienced or found on my own. I love hospitality because your experience matters here and is valuable, continues to keep human interaction as the basis of its foundation.

“I would tell people going through the program to take risks and try as many positions in this field. You never know when you may find your niche.“

Sarah Martinez earned her associate in Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management from Richland in 2009. She then went on to earn her bachelor's in General Business from the University of North Texas. Currently, Sarah is the Director of Rooms at Hilton Dallas/Park Cities.

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