Quintin Davis, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC) 3D Program Graduate
Meet Quintin Davis. Quintin grew up in Jacksonville, Arkansas, where he sometimes struggled in school. But in high school, Quintin began to care about education and his future, and thinking about going to college. As a senior, he applied to several college programs, and on the day he graduated from high school, he received his letter of acceptance from the 3D Program at the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College.
Quintin quickly learned that college was different than high school, and he would have to get out of his comfort zone and socialize with others. This was a struggle for him at first. However, throughout the program he was taught to be a leader and not a follower and learned many things. In addition to technical culinary skills, he learned how to prepare for class, clock-in and out each day, be on time, and act professionally.
During his time in the program Quintin had a variety of different work experiences. He began by working in a student-led lunch service where he took orders, as well as waited and bussed tables. He then worked in the purchasing department as an intern, and in a student-run bakeshop. During his last year, Quintin began a practicum placement at Great American Wings, but eventually landed a job at Blue Cake Company, a family-owned bakery in Little Rock, Arkansas. This was a result of the exceptional skills that he learned at UA-PTC 3D. In the almost two years that he has been at Blue Cake Company, he has been promoted to Main Baker, received a raise, and has trained many other workers to be bakers. He currently makes most of the cupcakes and cakes that they serve in their bakery.
While in college, Quintin opened up socially, made a lot of friends, stood out as a leader, and fell in love. He is proud of how well he is doing financially. He has an apartment, bought a car, and is working on getting his driver’s license. Quintin is using the skills he learned in college to build his credit and save money. On his success, Quintin stated, “My instructors helped me get to where I am today. Without them, I wouldn’t have social or leadership skills. I also wouldn’t be a professional baker or financially stable.”
Student stories share the positive outcomes that can be achieved with access to CTE programs to students with intellectual disability, additional support as needed, and hard work and perseverance by students. Read more stories about culinary students.