By The Apollos
Two of our very own Paul Smith’s College students will be embarking on the internship of a lifetime this year. Kathea Kerg and Daniel Wiginton will be making the long journey to Osaka, Japan to intern at the Hotel Nikko. The Hotel Nikko is currently managed by Paul Smith’s alum, Mr. Jan Marshall. Since graduating from Paul Smith’s in 1980, Mr. Marshall has worked his way to becoming the President and General Manager of the Hotel Nikko. The Hotel Nikko owns many world-class hotels throughout the world, making this opportunity for our students one of a kind. Sophomore Baking student Kathea Kerg is looking forward to getting back to her roots:
“I’ve always loved Japanese culture, and it’s been a part of my life growing up, too. My grandmother was born and raised in Japan, and my parents were able to spend a few years there in the Air Force…I am so glad I was offered this opportunity and intend to work my hardest, not only for myself but also to spread the good name of Paul Smith’s College.”
Daniel Wiginton, a senior in the Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management program, is equally excited for this international opportunity:
“The opportunity to intern at Hotel Nikko in Osaka Japan was brought to me by Chef McCarthy and it is an opportunity of a lifetime that will help launch my career in the right direction and help enable me to get my foot in the door in this very competitive industry. I’m extremely thankful to Chef McCarthy and Mrs. Karen Jackson, and everyone at Paul Smiths for this opportunity and look forward to making the Paul Smith’s community proud.”
To help make this trip possible, Daniel and Kathea will be at the Woodsmen’s Spring Meet Saturday, April 22, selling green stew and cornbread to raise funds for the airfare for the trip. Be sure to go show your support to your fellow Smitty’s by visiting them at the Spring Meet, and donating to their GoFundMe page!