Deafblind student ready to graduate from SCCC and open his own restaurant

SCHENECTADY, ​​NY (NEWS10) — A local student graduating this week from SUNY Schenectady Community College is breaking barriers in the kitchen. Chris Gonzales thrives in almost any setting, but he shines when it comes to food.

“Food has gotten me through a lot of ups and downs in my life,” Gonzales explained.

His dream was to one day open his own Mexican restaurant. As he walks through the kitchen and into the dining room of the Casola Dining Room, what you may not notice right away is that Chris is a deaf-blind individual.

“There’s nothing special about me. Like everyone. I happen to have trouble seeing and hearing,” Gonzales said.

Since birth, his vision and hearing have deteriorated, but these challenges have never stopped him from pursuing his lifelong goal. His associate professor, Kimberly Otis, said, “His tenacity would not allow him to fail. We just figured it out. We were able to explore different teaching methods.

With the help of technology, Chris has become a star culinary student. “The most important thing is communication,” he said.

Otis added, “We have a microphone system that I can wear that transcribes what I say.”

His limited vision allowed him to read what his instructor was saying on a screen, and he also had help from an interpreter in class. The learning tools were provided by the college’s Disability Transition Services Coordinator.

“Without them, I wouldn’t be able to communicate,” Gonzales said. “I wouldn’t have my diploma. I wouldn’t have a normal career.

As he prepares to walk the stage and earn his degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management as well as his Assistant Chef Certificate, he has never been more ready to navigate the kitchen. “Many people tend to take life for granted. We don’t,” Gonzales explained.

A lesson that helps him prepare an unforgettable meal with compassion and understanding. “Forget everything else, enjoy something delicious and experience a moment of happiness,” reflected Gonzales.

During his college career, he also underwent dialysis for chronic kidney disease. Gonzales will earn his degree in hotel and restaurant management Thursday morning during graduation after completing the program.