Who Knew Work Could be Fun? Recalling a Pair Session

By Melissa Santiago with Michele Thomas
Girls Write Now Mentee-Mentor Pair

Michele says: On a cold, wintry day last December, Melissa and I decided to take a little break from our writing. She’d told me that she was interested in food and cooking, so I invited her to come visit The French Culinary Institute, where I work as a curriculum editor, to meet some of the chefs and learn more about what it would be like to go to school there. Recently, we talked about the experience.

Michele: Hey, do you remember that day when you came to my job? It was cold and yucky out. I remember being worried that you wouldn’t make it.

Melissa: Yea, I remember that day. I wasn’t feeling really good and I had just received some bad news, but going over to your job lightened my mood and made me feel a lot better.

Michele: I am glad to hear that. It was a really special day for me, too. We had only been a pair for two months and it was great to take a break from writing and just spend time together.

Melissa: I agree! Not only was that an opportunity for me to get to know the environment where you work, but it was a better way for me to get to know you, as well. Who ever knew that I would have been paired up with a mentor who works in The French Culinary Institute?

Michele: I remember being so excited to hear that you were interested in food and cooking. I was geeked when you said you would visit! I told my boss and my coworkers that the coolest mentee ever was coming to visit FCI, and I wanted them to meet you. They probably thought I was nuts. Wait, I think they still do. I talk about you all the time. (“My mentee’s doing this, and that, and that, and that…”)

Melissa: I was so excited when you invited me to go to your job because for years I’ve seen where my mom works and my dad’s job, too. However, it was a great experience to visit another kind of wor place. What made the experience even more unique for me is the fact that I was able to see the restaurant that is part of the school AND I was able to eat there, too.

Another thing which was awesome was that I was able to see the humongous kitchens where the chefs and students learn and cook. There is soooo much talent in that place that I was in shock everywhere. Did I mention the lounge, followed by the library, and the chocolate sculptures? Seriously, that place is amazing!

Michele: Hee-hee, I admit, walking by those chocolate pieces is my favorite. They smell so good! I remember you came upstairs to meet my boss Nils. I was so nervous, but he was super cool. I was happy for you to meet someone who cooks for a living, and loves writing, and likes reggae. What did you think?

Melissa: Hehehe… Your boss is the most coolest boss I have ever met. Nils is very open-minded, and he makes the environment so much better to work in. I could never imagine him mad. I found it quite funny that he likes reggae. I would have never assumed what type of personality he had if I were to meet him at a distance.

Michele: What stuck out in your mind about the visit?

Melissa: Everything! I can’t choose a particular scenario because everything there was so great. It was like entering another world. I guess the environment and the people there were what stood out the most. It’s just different. Everything looked huge and busy but at the same time it was all organized. Everything had its place, even the people.

Michele: For me, my favorite part was going to the restaurant with you. It was nice to just sit there and relax and try some new food with you. You had charcuterie! And duck! I was so proud to be a part of your learning something new.

Melissa: WOW! I remember when I saw the name of the dish. I had no idea what it meant. Yea, I was just as surprised as you. I tried duck for the first time with you. Who would have thought? Also, the way the dish was prepared and how everything was organized on the plate was fascinating. I saw and tried frisée, cornichons, duck rillette, pâté... even the carrots had a unique taste. It’s one of those “once in a lifetime” types of experience. I recommend it.

Michele: You know something? The very next day, I told the chefs who worked on that dish that you tried it with me and it was your first time trying all of those foods. He was glad to have been part of that experience, too. It was fun! The people at work ask about you sometimes. My boss said you could come back whenever you want. I always hoped we would get to write about it together one day. And here we are! Next time, we should do a class together. Hee-hee.

Melissa: Yea? Tell them I say hi, too. That sounds great – the idea about taking a class together. Honestly, it was a blessing to have shared such moments with you at your job. I’ll never forget it. You went out of your way for me, and believe me, I’ll never take that for granted. It’s great that now we have something else to share together and write about: The Day I Went to Your Job!