Dylan's Story

Graduate: Dylan H.

Interviewer: Julia Granet (Marketing and Communication Coordinator, Stone Soup PDX).

Q: Where are you from and how did you find yourself in Portland? 

A: I was born in Oakland, CA but have moved a lot with my family from places like Idaho, Vancouver, the Dalles and after high school, found myself in Portland. I love it here. I have found a solid support system and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. 

Q: How did you find out about Stone Soup PDX?

A: Before this, I was in a program called HomePlate, and one of their program advisors recommended this culinary program to me because I wanted to learn and work my way up in kitchens. I love the idea of the hospitality industry and this is just one more way to get into it. It’s a great program because it’s free, it was easy to apply and it’s amazing that it's a paid opportunity.

Q: Do you have any influences or someone that taught you how to cook growing up?

A: Yes, absolutely. My dad and my grandma were my biggest influences growing up. My grandma made food for everyone, and was so giving! I will carry that on as well. 

Q: I notice you always wear your headphones while in the kitchen. Can you tell me about that? Is it to block out noise, does music help you stay focused? Do you have a favorite song or band that you’re listening to?

A: Yes, both. I have over 3,000 songs I’m cycling through. Music helps me stay focused, because otherwise I have too many ruminating thoughts. As someone with dyslexia and ADHD, it helps me stay focused. My favorite band right now is Glass Animals, they released some new songs recently and they’re great.

Q: Food is a way to bring people together, through necessity but also through learning together. Do you think that is the same with music?

A: Yes, exactly. I was thinking the same thing. Music and food naturally bring people together, especially when you are first meeting someone. Whether they are part of the program or not, both are easy ways to start a conversation and ask questions. For example, you might ask “Do you like music? What kind?” and they might respond with “I love that song too.” It works the same with food. You can ask “Do you like to cook?” and follow up with “What is your favorite dish to make?” In both cases, you quickly find common ground and can begin building a relationship from there.

Q: What is something you enjoyed about your time in the culinary program at Stone Soup PDX?

A: I enjoyed that after graduating high school, I still had an opportunity to learn. I struggled in school but found that science and math were my better subjects, which I have been using to learn baking and other culinary techniques in the program. School always felt forced, but at stone soup, I felt like my questions were answered with compassion, there was no task I couldn’t handle and I was treated with respect.

Q: What is something you will leave the program with, that maybe you didn’t think you would?

A: I am leaving with more confidence. I am more hopeful that when I leave, I can find a job and be successful in it.

Q: and lastly, what is something you would tell your younger self?

A: Don’t be such a sinic. Live your life how you want to. Make the most of every opportunity.

Thank you for this opportunity, I would love to volunteer my time when I’m done and continue the mission of Stone Soup. Thank you so much.

[See more stories, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments at www.stonesouppdx.com or on Instagram @pdxstonesoup.]