Student Spotlight
Each month we'll highlight people, events, or projects that inspire us.
This transcript is a candid response to the questions. Minor formatting adjustments have been made
How has life been for you since being released? It's been good, I'm with my family. It would be great if I wasn't on house arrest.
What did you look forward to the most about returning home? Being with my family, going to school or work, my bed, food, and internet
How have things changed for you since you came back? My living arrangements. I'm living with my dad and stepmom, not my own place because I lived in Indiana. I have to be in Illinois while on house arrest, but I’ve got my own room.
What struggles have you had? Getting permission to go to work and school.
What changes have you seen in yourself since returning? I feel like I can make anything I want to eat if I have a recipe. Before I would have to go to a restaurant. I’ve gained weight lol.
How did RFC impact your time in jail? It's a great program. They treated me like I was a human being. My stress level went down, it helped with depression, and I learned a lot from everyone.
How has RFC impacted your time since being home? I got my food handler and managers certificate. They prepared me to go to culinary school. I love that the instructors still communicate with me.
Each month we'll highlight people, events, or projects that inspire us.
What was the most valuable thing you got from the program? I learned how to make pizza, that helped me. I was in charge of the pizza station at Sopraffina. I got my certificates. I learned to use a recipe, cook, and bake pasta and other foods.
Are you working? Looking for work? I was working, but got laid off because of COVID-19. I am waiting on unemployment, but I have applied online for other work as well.
What challenges did you face seeking employment? The email that the employer has to send to the sheriff's office just to get an interview. Not all employers want to do that, and I need a schedule every month emailed to the sheriff's office.
Any advice you would give to participants who are starting the program? Give it a shot, you might like it. Learn as much as possible. They will help you if you ask, show that you're interested, and try all the food even if you think you might not like it.
What successes have you had since returning home? I went to school at Chicago community kitchens, I did an internship at Sopraffina marketcaffe, I graduated, and then I got hired.
What goals do you have for yourself in the next 6 months? I would love to be free of house arrest, get a really good paying job so I can pay my debt and pay for rent. I want to have my own apartment and lose weight.
Virgil