Allie Roe

    French and Francophone Studies has allowed me to explore different cultures and perspectives in a way that grants me a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. As a STEM major, I value the chance to dive into philosophical and cultural conversations, where I have always appreciated how professors pushed us to engage deeply with the material and encouraged us to chase our individual passions. Through these conversations I have met lovely friends, who I hope to stay in touch with post graduation! I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to live in France for a month during the Montpellier summer program with Professor Compan, as, even almost three years later, I still look back and feel like I lived more life in that month than in a typical year. It is almost impossible to pick a favorite experience, each weekend excursion, museum trip, home-cooked meal, beach day, post-class patisserie, and sunset holds a special place in my heart, so I think the best way to summarize the significance of my time abroad at my time at W&M is through a quote from my host mother: “Chaque jour est comme une vie, tu dois profiter.” I intend to take this attitude into my life going forward, as I am planning to spend my next year in France as a teaching assistant for ESL through the TAPIF program. Merci, et au revoir, W&M!