Morgan Cook-Sather

   Each upcoming semester at W&M I looked forward to the French courses I had registered for. I am so grateful to the French/Francophone Studies department for the knowledge about French/Francophone history and contemporary culture I have gained, as well as the unwavering academic and personal support I have received from the department faculty. My French courses have challenged me to improve my reading, writing, and presenting skills in the French language. Beyond this however, the department encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone through class presentations, group work, and general contributions during class discussions. This has pushed me to strive to enhance my proficiency in French outside of the classroom. 

   With the determination and dedication to improving my French, I did the faculty-led summer abroad program in Montpellier, France, in 2023. This was one of my favorite experiences from my time at W&M. I opted for the independent research project option that this program offered, and the flexible nature of the program gave me the freedom to structure my days and create a project that was truly my own. Part of my research included conducting interviews with locals in French, which put me in a context where I both needed to take initiative to find connections and schedule interviews, as well as lead the conversation itself in French. 

   My senior year I took on a leadership position working for the French House, planning activities for the French students to apply their French skills outside of the classroom. This experience led me to apply to a teaching assistantship program in France following my graduation. Through this program I hope to again immerse myself in the French language and culture, drawing on and building upon the education and communication skills the French/Francophone Studies department has taught me.