Joshua Thompson, Class of 2011, Phoenix AZ

What are you up to? I'm currently working as a dining room manager for a retirement community. I love working with the elderly; they inspire me everyday to keep pushing towards my goals and working towards a better me.

How'd you get here? I graduated high school in 2011 and went off to my dream school In Boston. Unfortunately, life took quite a turn and I packed up and moved to Phoenix, AZ after only a year and a half of college. I thought I would never get anywhere out here. I was lost. No friends, no job, no nothing. After only a month, I received a call from a company I didn't even remember applying to. I honestly thought it would be temporary. I was hired as a server and relief cook. I worked my butt off proving myself to anyone who would pay attention. After a year, I became a kitchen supervisor. But that just wasn't for me so I worked and worked until I was given the opportunity to run the dining room. It has been an amazing experience to this day.

What are your goals? My goal right now is to be in upper level hotel restaurant management. Maybe even run my own hotel someday.

Advice for WHS Students? Don't give up. You may be growing up in a small town but you're not limited to the small town. You really can do anything and go anywhere. If you have a dream to go somewhere, then go. Don't worry about the money, it will find its way. Everything always works out. If you put good out into the world you really will get it back ten times over.

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go? Thailand.