The Freshman Class

In beautiful Santa Cruz, CA, at Cabrillo College's Culinary Arts and Hospitality program, freshmen attempt to change their lives and achieve their dreams at one of the most demanding and fast-paced programs in America.

Kim has her first shot at showing her skills when she's tapped to be Head Chef in the school's student-run restaurant, despite having no professional culinary experience. Gabe's home life interferes with his classes.

New student, Matheus, reveals a life-threatening illness that could destroy his culinary dreams. Jim makes a final decision about his future at the school. When a catering assignment pops up, Amalia has to swallow her emotions.

Gabe's absences leave him unprepared for the mid-term. Kim attempts to jump-start her career by getting an internship at a well-known restaurant. After repeatedly calling out sick, Matt debates revealing his illness to his boss.

Gabriel and his friends reminisce about their troubled past, and an unlikely professor takes Gabriel under his wing to help him to turn things around. Amalia tries to prove herself by competing against her fellow classmates.

Under the pressure of school, work and managing his disease, Matt begins to drink heavily and worries his friends. Amalia is forced to choose between school and family when her daughter's play conflicts with a wine class.

When Kim wants to enroll in additional classes at an expensive culinary school, tensions with Steve come to a head. After a talk with Amalia, Matt seeks help for his drinking and his disease.

After an emotional family meeting, Amalia struggles with postponing her culinary dream and going back to being a full-time mom. When symptoms of Matt's disease resurface, his doctor urges him to undergo chemotherapy.