Tarboro Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce President Roberta Cashwell recruited some out-of-town help for the upcoming Cantaloupe Festival on June 28.

Way, way out of town.

Lauren Stroud, 20, the chamber’s new intern, is from Paris, a student of the University of Paris, majoring in business.

However, the well-traveled Stroud, who also studied in Spain, as well as traveling extensively throughout Europe, is only one generation removed from Tarboro.

“My mother grew up in Tarboro and moved to France in 1977,” said Stroud, who speaks fluent French, Spanish and English. “This is not my first visit to Tarboro, although it will be my longest stay.”

Stroud’s mother, Pasty Stroud, studied art in Chicago and San Francisco before continuing her studies in Paris.

She and Stroud's father, Patrick Mestries, are both artists.

Stroud’s older sister, Daphne, also interned at the Tarboro Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce in 2005.

“This is really a win-win situation for everyone,” said Cashwell. “It’s a win for the chamber, because we can always use another bright mind and it’s a win for her, because she will be able to get college credit.

“She is going to be a real asset to the chamber for the next three months.”

Stroud said that after she graduates from the University of Paris, she hopes to work in international business.

“I love to travel and learn new languages,” said Stroud. “I hope I can work in a business that will allow me to work in different countries.”

While she is working in Tarboro, Stroud is living with her uncle and aunt, Ken and Susan Stroud.

“All of my family here wanted me to stay with them while I was here,” said Stroud. “Unfortunately, I can’t be everywhere at once.”

Stroud’s uncle said that he is pleased to have played host to both his nieces while they were interning in Tarboro.