Ah Non!

C’est douce amère… It truly is bittersweet to consider the closing of the Millennium Scholars 2015 Summer Bridge, it has shown me so much. It has shown me good friends, good times, and exceptional study habits. I am truly at the cusp of adventure as I begin to explore my undergraduate career here at Penn State. This fall I will be taking French and I could not be more excited. It seems like just yesterday I began my Francophone pursuits as an even more foolish high school Freshman. My studies in French have become some of the most personally satisfying ventures I have ever undertaken. To think that coming into the class I could only say ‘Bonjour’ is astonishing. I am by no means fluent in the language, but I have many of the grammatical tools to become such. At this point, it is simply a matter of dedication. For me to even come close to fluidity (fluentness?) I have to start fully immersing myself into the language. I am convinced that this immersion can only be achieved by living in an only French speaking area. Being a Biochemistry major, finding this opportunity in college may be tough. I hope to minor in French, and perhaps I can attend some sort of study abroad in which I could get some credits towards that minor.

The prospect of travelling to France just fills me joy. I cannot even express via words my adoration for this culture (although I have attempted to do so). I could see all the gorgeous parts of such beautiful country. Just imagine being in the hustle and bustle of Paris and then taking the TGV and in four hours enjoying the picturesque French Riviera. All of this appreciation for France instilled into me can all be traced to my high school French teacher. She managed to instill this passion for the French world through a variety of means. Madame taught me to love French by loving it so much that everyone around her could not help but utter the greeting ‘salut!’. Not only could she fluently express her love of French, but she could logically transmit how to approach learning the language. Her quirks and puns always made class a wonderful experience. I owe every drop of French that I can speak to her and I am infinitely grateful for that. I also enjoyed trying (key word: trying) to smoothly help run our schools French club’s excursions and cheese tastings. She would always tell me I was big help and doing a good job, even though I new sometimes my mediocrity would be overwhelming. In short terms, shout out to my high school French teacher, she’s the absolute best there is.

Thus it is with a heavy heart that I begin a hiatus on the passion portion of my blog. I hope you all have been given a glimpse into my chaotic mind in that you have gained a slightly greater appreciation for the sublimity that is the French world!

4 comments

  1. Brandon, I love how passionate you are about the French language, French culture, and going to France. While many people say they would like to backpack across Europe, not many of them have a specific country that they’ve always wanted to visit. I know you’ll succeed and since you’re so passionate about it, you will give it your full effort to learn the language, and you’ll go to France and all the people won’t even know you don’t live in France (yet). Your blogs are awesome! 🙂

  2. Brandinosaur123, it’s always a blast reading and experiencing your passion for the French culture. Four years ago, I visited France and I didn’t have the appreciation for it as much as you would. Hopefully you work hard and achieve your goals so that you can indulge in the French food (my personal favorite), environment, and language. It’s not “Au revoir” but a See you later (I don’t know how to say that in French).

  3. Abdoulaye Diallo

    France-trip buddy! In 2 years…

  4. Mehmet Demir Kişisel Blog sayfası https://www.mehmetdem.com Brandon, I love how passionate you are about the French language, French culture, and going to France.

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