Fairmont, WV – A unique internship opportunity led a Pierpont Community and Technical College alumnus from country roads to the City of Light this summer.
Madison Martin, a 2024 graduate of the at Pierpont, was presented with an opportunity to travel to Paris, France in early June for a one-month culinary internship.
Martin interned at Gentle Gourmet, an international culinary and pastry school specializing in vegan cooking, classes, and education. In her role, she was a personal chef for a local family, crafting vegan dishes that complement French culture and cuisine practices. “[Cooking] is a little different in comparison to the United States because we just do not have some of the products that are available in France,” said Martin. “Throughout my internship, I gained so much knowledge on how to combine vegan cooking with French cuisine.”
During her internship, Martin visited local bakeries to understand the process of crafting baguettes, macarons, and other traditional French staples. She also learned new culinary practices, such as the use of artichokes in French cuisine.
“In French cooking, they often cook the artichokes before picking each leaf off one by one, dipping it into a vinaigrette, and then scaping the artichoke meat off,” said Martin. “The petals are then arranged in a design on the outer rim of the plate.” Martin noted other unique differences, such as the expanded vegan options and extensive selection of unique meats, cheeses, and fresh produce available at grocery stores.
While in Paris, she had the opportunity to experience the preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, which were slated to begin in late July.
Traveling nearly 4,000 miles from home did not come without its tribulations, however. As Martin navigated her first international trip, she was challenged to step outside her comfort zone to welcome new opportunities, both personally and professionally. “You have to tell yourself it will be worth it,” said Martin. “Enjoy your time, take a friend with you, and be prepared to get lost and to spend money. Also be prepared to walk a lot and be scared and lonely at times. But always remember that you are so much stronger than you think you are.”
Martin’s favorite memory from the trip comes from a surprise birthday party held by her host family. “They set up the table outside and made me a beautiful meal with a cake that tasted like a caramel drumstick ice cream cone,” she recalled.
While Martin hopes to explore other study abroad opportunities in the future, her sights are now set on her return to Pierpont this fall to pursue a second degree in business – management. “I want to open my own business within the next five years, and Pierpont provides an affordable pathway to earn a degree that will support that goal,” said Martin. “Coming in with EDGE credits accelerated my journey to a degree and helped me gain scholarships. I know Pierpont has my back when it comes to financial aid. Do not be surprised if I come back for another degree – again.”