"Apologize"

We met 23-year-old Tatum at Kaan, a fine dining experience in Portland created by Chef Gregory Gourdet. Tatum played a huge part in crafting our night—memorizing Emily's long list of allergies, recommending unforgettable dishes, and making us feel fully cared for throughout the entire meal.

When we asked what song reminded her of growing up, Tatum paused for a moment, then straight up sang the melody to us right there in the restaurant. A few taps on Spotify later—don't worry, Tatum, we got you—it turned out to be "Apologize" by OneRepublic. She first heard it around five years old in 2004 and remembered loving the way it sounded.

Originally from San Diego, Tatum moved to Portland after falling in love with the city during a visit and deciding she needed a change. She's always worked in dining and finds comfort in the fast pace and controlled chaos of the restaurant world. She thrives on connection, enjoying the rhythm of ten-hour shifts and the chance to interact with people every day.

When we asked what she's learned along the way, she told us: "Common sense is not as common as I thought it was." She's also learned how much people carry beneath the surface—and how powerful it can be to look a little deeper.

She left us with two mottos she lives by: "Go in with intention, not expectation." "Find joy in the mundane."

And somehow, her words hit just as hard as the meal itself.