Timothy Tasler

I didn't intend on majoring in French & Francophone studies when coming to W&M, but after taking FREN 210 with Professor Angela Leruth, I knew French was something I wanted to continue with at W&M. I fell in love with the class structure of reading and discussing complex texts but with the added difficulty of doing so in French, in addition to the close-knit student community created by small, discussion-based classes. Furthermore, all of the faculty in the program were incredibly supportive, not just academically but personally as well. I'm incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to study abroad in Montpellier in the Summer of 2025 with Professor Michael Leruth where I completed a project on cycling culture and policy. My favorite memory has to be the time while on a ride for my project, I was stopped by a group of around 10 French elementary/middle schoolers who pulled a large branch out in front of my bike to stop me and then put twigs in my gears. They then proceeded to politely mug me, demanding my bike and money while trying to speak English to accommodate me, and then letting me go when I told them I didn't want to give them my bike - it's now my favorite story to tell. After I graduate, I will be starting law school at the University of Missouri where I don't anticipate on needing my French language skills. However, I imagine the texts and ideas of Diderot, Descartes, and Molière will have prepared me well for the type of readings and analysis I'll be doing in law school, and I hope to continue and hone my French language skills throughout the rest of my life.