Alumni Testimonial: Elijah Somah Honors His Mother’s Legacy and Aspires to be an Executive Chef

On October 14, 2024, Heather Cannon—Co-Founder and Executive Director—met Elijah Somah, a 2019 Catering Graduate. He is currently employed as the US Embassy Cafeteria Cook. Elijah also enrolled his children in the UDS Academy.

Left to right: Elijah Somah and Heather Cannon

He came to UDS to fulfill his late mother's dream. He remembered her passion as a caterer when he was a young boy. He started his journey as a cook at FuZion D'Afrique and was still employed there when he enrolled with UDS.

Elijah also took advantage of our academic school—UDS Academy—and enrolled his five children. Four remain in our school (in 2024) and his 11th grader received a scholarship for our academic-vocational training program.

Since graduating in 2019, his employment transitioned from FuZion D'Afrique to Cremino and Mamba Point Hotel. On June 1, 2023, he started working as a contracted cook at the US Embassy Cafeteria. His contract ends in 2028 and he is ready to make his next move to become an executive chef. Elijah has his sights on Boulevard Palace, Royal Hotel, and Farmington Hotel’s high-end restaurants. His determination will get him to his goal.

In Part 1 of 4, Elijah introduced himself and explained how a friend referred him to UDS to learn a trade. He also enrolled his five children at the UDS Academy and four remain in 2024.

In Part 2 of 4, Elijah explained why he enrolled in the catering program to honor his late Mother’s legacy as a caterer. He listed the progression of jobs since he graduated in 2019. He then shared that his next goal is to become an executive chef.

In Part 3 of 4, Elijah encouraged all young people to learn a trade and stay focused today because it will benefit themselves and their families tomorrow. He also recommended, "UDS is a place to live and home for our people, for everyone, and for young people today in our society."

In Part 4 of 4, Elijah re-iterated his desire to honor his Mother's legacy and fulfill his dream of becoming an executive chef.

When asked what he liked about UDS, he shared the following:

1) Affordable tuition and flexible payment plan.

2) A strong emphasis on learning.

3) An appreciative staff and instructors/teachers.

What UDS could do better? He mentioned that vocational instructors could encourage academic-vocational students more as they learn a trade.

Left to right: Elijah Somah and Heather Cannon

Elijah’s recommendation for the instructors was passed on to the UDS administration. The academic-vocational learning program is new for junior and senior students. For academic students learning a trade, they will graduate high school with marketable skills.

Elijah plans to return and enroll in the UDS Event Decoration. He would need an evening course since he works at the embassy during the day. Two other alumni—Elijah Kottee and Janet Johnson—could join him in that course.