Luis Vazquez
Competitor in Skill: Restaurant Service
Country: United States of America
How did you get interested in your skill?
I began learning about my skill in 10th grade. I enrolled in a principles of Hospitality and Tourism course and began discovering everything about the world of Restaurants and Hotels and tourism. This led to a growing interest in cooking shows and shows about resorts and other hotels as well, only fuelling my interest.
Where did you do your training for your skill?
I mainly trained at my High School, Allen High School. This is where I received all of my Front of the House experience and began to develop and improve it over the years. I continued my training at my work, The Sheraton Inn at McKinney as well.
How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
I found out about in originally in the 11th grade when my High School advisor suggested for me to join. I didn't discover all that Skills USA had to offer until 12th grade when I attended my first state conference, witnessing all the different competitions available.
Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
My advisor, Sheila Hyde, greatly influenced me to follow my dream in the Hospitality industry of serving people, and she continued to push me in this field more and more. She provided all the training I have received and continues to guide me in my practices.
What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
I have had an incredible experience being a part of SkillsUSA. From the countless people and connections I have made at each conference, to the incomparable experience that each level (regional, state, and national) conference has provided me. I continue to learn as I've moved up in each step, and I wish to continue to grow through my experiences with this organization.
Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
My most memorable moment so far with World Skills has been when I finally met the rest of Team USA for our training and debriefing for WorldSkills. We all have come together and bonded so well, and feel very united in our journey towards Brazil.
Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
I can only describe my experience as one with unforgettable memories and immeasurable growth. I have learned new techniques to my industry and have established connections with people from across the country that can remain very strong throughout my life. WorldSkills has provided me with an opportunity to prove myself to the rest of the countries, and the experience i've had has simply been unforgettable!
Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
Participating in the Skills competitions and my training most definitely has helped my progress in my skill. For each level of competition that I would attend, I would learn a new technique or style of service by the end of it all. These competitions and my training have provided me with multiple opportunities to grow in my experience of Fine Dining and overall Restaurant Service.
What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I am currently a Server at the Sheraton Inn in McKinney, Texas.
What are your future career aspirations?
I aspire to one day either own or run my own hotel, or to be a Hospitality industry consultant to help provide unforgettable experiences through other properties.