TOUCH A HEART NEWSLETTER | JULY 8, 2026
A Year of Improving
When Apprentice Bobby chose "improving" as his word of the year for 2026, it reflected a simple but meaningful goal: to keep becoming a better version of himself.
"I want to improve myself," Bobby shared. "I don't want to fall back. I always tell myself I want to learn more and get more experience. I'm still willing to take advice."
Bobby joined our ʻohana as an intern in January 2024 and graduated from our foodservice vocational training program in March of that year. Since then, he has continued his journey as an apprentice, taking on new responsibilities and growing both personally and professionally.
"In the beginning, I was kind of hardheaded," he admitted. "Now, I see how important my job is. I gotta come to work, I gotta make ends meet. Before, I was lazy." Today, Bobby says he also sees feedback differently. Even when Cook & Kitchen Supervisor Severino corrects him, he takes it as a learning experience.
This year also brought a major personal milestone. Bobby underwent pacemaker surgery and says the experience has strengthened his commitment to taking care of himself. "I feel good about it," he said. "It's made me feel more responsible. I've got to take my pills constantly. I can't miss—I've got to be responsible."
Outside of work, Bobby has also been making more time for family. He visits them weekly and especially enjoys spending time with his two-year-old granddaughter. "It makes me feel balanced," he shared. "Being at work, then being with family—it makes me feel good instead of just being alone. I love being with my family."
For Bobby, the best part of working at Touch A Heart is the people. "They make me laugh, they make me happy. We joke around," he shared. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue growing with us.
Bobby's journey is a reminder that growth comes one step at a time. Through perseverance and a willingness to learn, he continues to improve every day.