Hi, Shamiah! I enjoyed reading about your love for French and for music. My question for you is, while you were in France for a semester, what exactly did you love about it? What did you study while you were there and what was it like?
Also, if you don't mind answering another question, who are your favorite bands and artists to listen to? I always love discovering new music to listen to!
Hi Bri! I would have to say that my favorite part of my stay in France was probably the food. I LOVE crepes and baguettes so much! I also loved traveling. My father is a huge history buff and some of it rubbed off on me. So being able to see places with so much history was amazing. The city I lived in, Aix-en-provence, was founded in 122 BC. That to me is absolutely fascinating that I was walking around daily in a place that millions of souls had passed through over thousands of years.
Music wise i love everything. My favorite country artists are Lady Antebellum and Josh Turner. My favorite rapper is Wale. I am IN LOVE with Allen Stone and Ed Sheeran.
I loved the city that I lived in, called Aix-en-Provence. It is a city in the south of France and it is absolutely amazing. I also had the opportunity to visit other cities, and my other favorite is Marseille. It is just huge with such diversity.
Bonjour Shamiah! My question for you is what part of studying abroad in France opened you back up to the idea of teaching instead of working in the business world?
Bonjour mon amie! I just loved being there so much and I had the overwhelming desire to share that love with others and inspire that love in others. I imagined bringing students to France to show them the rich history (and of course the crepes). Because French history is so different from American history, I think it is something that can really engage young people, as it did me.
Hi, Shamiah! I always love meeting fellow "Frenchies"! I was also pressured in high school to take Spanish like my sister and of course I resisted, instead taking and falling in love with French. The history of France has always been intriguing to me (cue my love for History Channel documentaries), so who would you say is your favorite French icon and why?
Hello! That is a tough question. In high school, I would have quickly said Marie-Antoinette. I was in love with her creativity and desire to break the status-quo. It infuriated me that she was so famous for something she never said. But throughout my college career I have learned about a wider variety of people who were influential in French history through lots of research papers. I have to say, however, that William the Conqueror is my favorite. He defeated the English, and I think that is something you just don't here about very often. My love for him is mostly driven by a linguistic love, however, because his reign in England put many French words into the English language.
Also, we will have to chat in French sometime! I love being able to use the language outside of a classroom!
I wouldn't worry that much about not knowing everything there is to know about your area of study. I think one of the great things about teaching is that is also allows you to continue to learn at the same time. In regards to your violin playing, have you considered ever taking it back up or do you not have enough time/dedication?
I would love to take it back up. When I got to GC I tried to participate in the orchestra here but I ran into a few issues, as far as how many credit hours I had available. I miss playing so much and wish I had the time/money to be able to do it.
Hey, Shamiah! I never learned how to play an instrument, and I always wish that I had. Was learning to play the violin difficult, and when exactly did you stop playing it?
Hey! I didn't find it terribly difficult to learn how to play but I know some people who did struggle. Like all things, it took a lot of practice to learn. Reading music, in my opinion, is the biggest hurdle to playing an instrument. Things like technique can be improved through lots of practice. I stopped playing at the end of my junior year in high school. I still played on my own during my senior year, however, because I intended to keep it up in college.
I was in the same boat as you when it came to deciding a major and minor! Except I am a Spanish major, but I was on the path to business as well. But my question has nothing to do with that! Did you go to any other countries while you were studying abroad in France?
Hey! No, I did not travel outside of France during my time abroad. I had planned to, but things didn't work out to where I could. I did visit several places in France though.
Music has always been one of my passions, as well. Do you still have your violin? And do you have any plans to take lessons? (They offer half credits here at the school for non music majors)
Where in France did you study? I'm sure your study abroad program was amazing. There are definitely some good opportunities to teach abroad now that countries want to stay connected. I've heard that it is beneficial to start out as an au paire to see if you like living abroad or not.
Yes, I still have my violin. I tried to do a non music major course here at the school but had issues. I would go to the meeting place at the time on the schedule and no one would be there. When I asked the professor about it, he was vague, so I just dropped the course.
I studied in the south of France in a city called Aix-en-Provence. I have contemplated going back and doing a teaching program through the French Consulate for 9 months but I am such a family person that I'm not sure I want to do that. I have a sweet nephew and a niece/nephew on the way, as well as being in a very committed relationship. It is something that remains on my mind, though, so we will see.
It sounds like a lot of us in the cohort would benefit from a few practice sessions with our beloved instruments. Maybe we all get together sometime in Porter. And I think that one should not get so comfortable and not pursue their passions. Maybe in the future you could plan to teach in France and bring your family members with you.
Hey Shamiah, I really enjoyed your autobiography and I can tell that you are a passionate as well as realistic person. I like that you are going into the program with a healthy skepticism and I hope that the program will reinforce your desire to teach. Have you ever thought about teaching English in another country, maybe France?
Also, what kind of books do you like to read? And do you have a favorite book?
Hello! I like your assessement of me. Yes, I have thought at length about teaching English in France. The French Consulate has a program where they hire native English speakers to teach English in French elementary or middle schools for a school year. I would love to do it but I just don't know if I could leave my family, or my boyfriend, for that long. I missed my family a lot during my semester abroad and that program would be twice as long.
I love to read fantasy (magic, witches, vampires), mystery, and young adult fiction. My favorite author is Harlan Coben, a mystery writer. He is completely underrated in America, but he is, surprisingly, all the rave in France. I've been a fan since middle school and when I was in France a year ago, you couldn't go a mile without seeing a poster about his books somewhere. He was even doing a book signing in the city I was staying in but I had class at the time. Perhaps that's another reason I love the French so much.
I was very sorry to hear that you gave up violin. It has been a secret wish of mine to learn how to play ever since high school. What do you imagine that you would do if you finally decide that teaching is not for you? "Business" can mean so many different things. A lot of my friends graduated with that major, and I always find it interesting how many different things you can do with it.
I would love to do something on the international scene, specifically in a management position. I love sitting down with people, planning things, and then seeing those things carried out. I like to inspire and push people to do their best. I honestly think perhaps Public Relations, but I have never really studied public relations, so who knows? Or even helping to start up a company in a French speaking nation. This way I can use my knowledge of culture and language to bring together different people under a common goal.
Hi Shamiah! I really loved reading your bio. I love to plan events and host people, I am a business admin minor because I am thinking about getting into event planning later in life. I have a few questions for you, If you don’t end up liking to teach French here have you thought about teaching English in France, seeing as you love it so much and have studies abroad there? Or even becoming a study abroad coordinator that way you get to plan the events in France as they study abroad.
I had never thought about being a study abroad coordinatorr but I actually think that is an amazing idea if I do not like teaching. Thanks! Yes, i have thought about teaching English in France, but I am not sure that I could handle being so far away from my family on a permanately.
Hello! I also share your love for foreign cultures! I haven't learned as much about French culture as I have Spanish, but I can always learn more! What is one thing, perhaps your favorite thing, that you can tell me about French culture?
I think perhaps one of the coolest things is the way that the language express respect and politeness. We don't have that in english. We don't use a specific conjugation just to be respectful. I think that because their language has that, it shows so much about what is important in their culture.
You mentioned how inspirational your favorite French teacher was in shaping your love for French as well as the possibility of you teaching it and spreading that inspiration to other students. What did the teacher do that was so inspirational? How did they ignite your passion for the language?
Honestly, I have never thought about what it was exactly about her that made me want to be like her. I suppose it was her passion for the language and culture. You could tell that she loved it because she was so enthusiastic. I guess seeing her so into it, made me more into it.
Hi, Shamiah! I enjoyed reading about your love for French and for music. My question for you is, while you were in France for a semester, what exactly did you love about it? What did you study while you were there and what was it like?
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you don't mind answering another question, who are your favorite bands and artists to listen to? I always love discovering new music to listen to!
Hi Bri! I would have to say that my favorite part of my stay in France was probably the food. I LOVE crepes and baguettes so much! I also loved traveling. My father is a huge history buff and some of it rubbed off on me. So being able to see places with so much history was amazing. The city I lived in, Aix-en-provence, was founded in 122 BC. That to me is absolutely fascinating that I was walking around daily in a place that millions of souls had passed through over thousands of years.
DeleteMusic wise i love everything. My favorite country artists are Lady Antebellum and Josh Turner. My favorite rapper is Wale. I am IN LOVE with Allen Stone and Ed Sheeran.
I just got back from a week in Paris and loved it! What was your favorite place in France?
ReplyDeleteI loved the city that I lived in, called Aix-en-Provence. It is a city in the south of France and it is absolutely amazing. I also had the opportunity to visit other cities, and my other favorite is Marseille. It is just huge with such diversity.
DeleteBonjour Shamiah! My question for you is what part of studying abroad in France opened you back up to the idea of teaching instead of working in the business world?
ReplyDeleteBonjour mon amie! I just loved being there so much and I had the overwhelming desire to share that love with others and inspire that love in others. I imagined bringing students to France to show them the rich history (and of course the crepes). Because French history is so different from American history, I think it is something that can really engage young people, as it did me.
DeleteHi, Shamiah! I always love meeting fellow "Frenchies"! I was also pressured in high school to take Spanish like my sister and of course I resisted, instead taking and falling in love with French. The history of France has always been intriguing to me (cue my love for History Channel documentaries), so who would you say is your favorite French icon and why?
ReplyDeleteHello! That is a tough question. In high school, I would have quickly said Marie-Antoinette. I was in love with her creativity and desire to break the status-quo. It infuriated me that she was so famous for something she never said. But throughout my college career I have learned about a wider variety of people who were influential in French history through lots of research papers. I have to say, however, that William the Conqueror is my favorite. He defeated the English, and I think that is something you just don't here about very often. My love for him is mostly driven by a linguistic love, however, because his reign in England put many French words into the English language.
DeleteAlso, we will have to chat in French sometime! I love being able to use the language outside of a classroom!
I wouldn't worry that much about not knowing everything there is to know about your area of study. I think one of the great things about teaching is that is also allows you to continue to learn at the same time. In regards to your violin playing, have you considered ever taking it back up or do you not have enough time/dedication?
ReplyDeleteI would love to take it back up. When I got to GC I tried to participate in the orchestra here but I ran into a few issues, as far as how many credit hours I had available. I miss playing so much and wish I had the time/money to be able to do it.
DeleteHey, Shamiah! I never learned how to play an instrument, and I always wish that I had. Was learning to play the violin difficult, and when exactly did you stop playing it?
ReplyDeleteHey! I didn't find it terribly difficult to learn how to play but I know some people who did struggle. Like all things, it took a lot of practice to learn. Reading music, in my opinion, is the biggest hurdle to playing an instrument. Things like technique can be improved through lots of practice. I stopped playing at the end of my junior year in high school. I still played on my own during my senior year, however, because I intended to keep it up in college.
DeleteI was in the same boat as you when it came to deciding a major and minor! Except I am a Spanish major, but I was on the path to business as well. But my question has nothing to do with that! Did you go to any other countries while you were studying abroad in France?
ReplyDeleteHey! No, I did not travel outside of France during my time abroad. I had planned to, but things didn't work out to where I could. I did visit several places in France though.
DeleteMusic has always been one of my passions, as well. Do you still have your violin? And do you have any plans to take lessons? (They offer half credits here at the school for non music majors)
ReplyDeleteWhere in France did you study? I'm sure your study abroad program was amazing. There are definitely some good opportunities to teach abroad now that countries want to stay connected. I've heard that it is beneficial to start out as an au paire to see if you like living abroad or not.
Yes, I still have my violin. I tried to do a non music major course here at the school but had issues. I would go to the meeting place at the time on the schedule and no one would be there. When I asked the professor about it, he was vague, so I just dropped the course.
DeleteI studied in the south of France in a city called Aix-en-Provence. I have contemplated going back and doing a teaching program through the French Consulate for 9 months but I am such a family person that I'm not sure I want to do that. I have a sweet nephew and a niece/nephew on the way, as well as being in a very committed relationship. It is something that remains on my mind, though, so we will see.
It sounds like a lot of us in the cohort would benefit from a few practice sessions with our beloved instruments. Maybe we all get together sometime in Porter.
DeleteAnd I think that one should not get so comfortable and not pursue their passions. Maybe in the future you could plan to teach in France and bring your family members with you.
Hey Shamiah, I really enjoyed your autobiography and I can tell that you are a passionate as well as realistic person. I like that you are going into the program with a healthy skepticism and I hope that the program will reinforce your desire to teach. Have you ever thought about teaching English in another country, maybe France?
ReplyDeleteAlso, what kind of books do you like to read? And do you have a favorite book?
Hello! I like your assessement of me. Yes, I have thought at length about teaching English in France. The French Consulate has a program where they hire native English speakers to teach English in French elementary or middle schools for a school year. I would love to do it but I just don't know if I could leave my family, or my boyfriend, for that long. I missed my family a lot during my semester abroad and that program would be twice as long.
DeleteI love to read fantasy (magic, witches, vampires), mystery, and young adult fiction. My favorite author is Harlan Coben, a mystery writer. He is completely underrated in America, but he is, surprisingly, all the rave in France. I've been a fan since middle school and when I was in France a year ago, you couldn't go a mile without seeing a poster about his books somewhere. He was even doing a book signing in the city I was staying in but I had class at the time. Perhaps that's another reason I love the French so much.
I was very sorry to hear that you gave up violin. It has been a secret wish of mine to learn how to play ever since high school.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you imagine that you would do if you finally decide that teaching is not for you? "Business" can mean so many different things. A lot of my friends graduated with that major, and I always find it interesting how many different things you can do with it.
I would love to do something on the international scene, specifically in a management position. I love sitting down with people, planning things, and then seeing those things carried out. I like to inspire and push people to do their best. I honestly think perhaps Public Relations, but I have never really studied public relations, so who knows? Or even helping to start up a company in a French speaking nation. This way I can use my knowledge of culture and language to bring together different people under a common goal.
DeleteHi Shamiah! I really loved reading your bio. I love to plan events and host people, I am a business admin minor because I am thinking about getting into event planning later in life. I have a few questions for you, If you don’t end up liking to teach French here have you thought about teaching English in France, seeing as you love it so much and have studies abroad there? Or even becoming a study abroad coordinator that way you get to plan the events in France as they study abroad.
ReplyDeleteI had never thought about being a study abroad coordinatorr but I actually think that is an amazing idea if I do not like teaching. Thanks! Yes, i have thought about teaching English in France, but I am not sure that I could handle being so far away from my family on a permanately.
DeleteHello! I also share your love for foreign cultures! I haven't learned as much about French culture as I have Spanish, but I can always learn more! What is one thing, perhaps your favorite thing, that you can tell me about French culture?
ReplyDeleteI think perhaps one of the coolest things is the way that the language express respect and politeness. We don't have that in english. We don't use a specific conjugation just to be respectful. I think that because their language has that, it shows so much about what is important in their culture.
DeleteYou mentioned how inspirational your favorite French teacher was in shaping your love for French as well as the possibility of you teaching it and spreading that inspiration to other students. What did the teacher do that was so inspirational? How did they ignite your passion for the language?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I have never thought about what it was exactly about her that made me want to be like her. I suppose it was her passion for the language and culture. You could tell that she loved it because she was so enthusiastic. I guess seeing her so into it, made me more into it.
DeleteShamiah, what is your favorite part of France? JF
ReplyDelete