{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"076: From \u201cIllegal\u201d Immigrant to Educator: Crossing Borders, Building Futures with Chef Felix","description":"In this episode of The Alchemist Lounge, we sit down with Chef Felix Cortez\u2014an immigrant, educator, and community pillar\u2014to trace his journey from working since age 8 in rural Mexico to crossing into the U.S. at 17, grinding through farm and dishwashing jobs, rising to line cook and chef, and ultimately answering a faith-driven call to teach at Orange Technical College in Orlando. It\u2019s a grounded look at immigration beyond headlines\u2014one day at a time, hard work, and service to others. In this episode, you will hear:   (0:00) Why this story matters now: moving past immigration headlines to a human story; meet Chef Felix.   (2:00) Growing up in Mexico: dad leaves to provide; Felix works from age 8 to support the family.   (10:18) First spark for food: helping make underground barbacoa at 12\u2014early culinary skills before he knew it.   (23:06) First U.S. grind: peppers, oranges, heavy labor; driving tractors; moving for love and opportunity.   (25:42) Kitchen door opens: dishwasher \u2192 breakfast line; culinary school (2003); stints with Marriott &amp;amp; Eden Roc.   (28:29) Living in the gray: fear, expired license years, and choosing to keep moving\u2014one day at a time.   (29:49) Orlando chapter: food service \u2192 teaching; eight years mentoring students into real careers.   (37:46) A calling confirmed: a 2006 prophecy to \u201cteach what you have\u201d fulfilled in 2016 at Orange Technical College.   (41:38) Practical mentorship: start small, learn English, pay taxes, stack skills; a student\u2019s $23\/hr Disney offer at under 20.   (51:03) Starting over (again): it\u2019s not about money\u2014it\u2019s about service, family, and becoming a pillar where you live.   If you\u2019re into resilience, food, and faith\u2014told through the lens of a teacher lifting the next generation\u2014this one\u2019s for you. Drop your favorite takeaway and share it with someone who needs a path forward. ","author_name":"The Alchemist Lounge","author_url":"https:\/\/alexatwood.co\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/38139435\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/000000\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/192808455"}