Yeva22
Jan 16, 2022
Undergraduate / The time I broke my promise [2]
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.
When I finally arrived, I couldn't wait for the orientation session to begin. Meeting the group, I've noticed to be the youngest among the volunteers; however, no one questioned my age or purpose of visit. Being in a completely unfamiliar city, I've spent a week feeling like Andrea Sachs while serving "café espresso," booking theatre tickets, and arranging appointments for a french casting director. Workdays would begin early, and despite my night owl nature, rising at 6 am was never as exciting. My new colleague happened to be a harsh middle-aged French lady.
Throughout the last two years, I nurtured a deep affection for the sophisticated language of Hugo and Leroux. In languages, I see the reflection of the country, culture, and overall impression. While some consider French to be the language of love, I see a complex intersection of cultures evolving into an ambiguous tool of expression. However, when learning a language through a 1998 textbook, you inevitably miss the spirit of naturalness. And hearing a pure native French talk is like chalk and cheese. Juliette breathed life into the language endowing it with integrity and passion, justifying my unhealthy admiration for "Phantom of the Opera."
I was afflated and self-confident in my French oral skills.
"Bonjour, Madame! Voulez vous quelque chose?" I blurted mispronouncing every single word.
Juliette stared with complete misconception for a good second and burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Darling, you better not try" she smiled indulgently
I felt abashed. Abashed up to my fingertips for ruining the sanity of French. Walking home through the streets enriched with history, I solemnly swore never to say a "bonjour" and stick to "exercises gramatique" for the rest of my life.
As incessant flows of chattering tourists passed, I was trying diligently to recall a true reason for taking a 12-hour train trip instead of flying to Egypt on a family vacation. I figured out there is no one-word answer. My personality is a bizarre mix of courage and spontaneity.
The same night the festival managers were throwing a massive party for actors, casting directors, and volunteers. For somewhat reason, my predictions were inflated, and I was the only team member who arrived. Casually, I entered a mass sounding like a mix of European languages with not a single familiar face. I stood, sipping on coke and nodding my head to any French words addressed. Suddenly I stumbled upon Juliet, who immediately introduced me to her colleagues as a future Ukrainian actress and a desperate French learner. She threw a bunch of garbled phrases, chuckled, and withdrew from sight, leaving me embarrassed.
Despite the short period of time, that week was a life-changer. I made my biggest meaningful step in language learning and realized it is my way of exploring different cultures. And yes, I did break my promise. As everyone was leaving, I thanked Juliet for an incredible experience and, with a slight tremble, said, "J'espère que nous nous reverrons bientôt." Proud and with a silly smile on my face, I left my fears in that building
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.
If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
When I finally arrived, I couldn't wait for the orientation session to begin. Meeting the group, I've noticed to be the youngest among the volunteers; however, no one questioned my age or purpose of visit. Being in a completely unfamiliar city, I've spent a week feeling like Andrea Sachs while serving "café espresso," booking theatre tickets, and arranging appointments for a french casting director. Workdays would begin early, and despite my night owl nature, rising at 6 am was never as exciting. My new colleague happened to be a harsh middle-aged French lady.
Throughout the last two years, I nurtured a deep affection for the sophisticated language of Hugo and Leroux. In languages, I see the reflection of the country, culture, and overall impression. While some consider French to be the language of love, I see a complex intersection of cultures evolving into an ambiguous tool of expression. However, when learning a language through a 1998 textbook, you inevitably miss the spirit of naturalness. And hearing a pure native French talk is like chalk and cheese. Juliette breathed life into the language endowing it with integrity and passion, justifying my unhealthy admiration for "Phantom of the Opera."
I was afflated and self-confident in my French oral skills.
"Bonjour, Madame! Voulez vous quelque chose?" I blurted mispronouncing every single word.
Juliette stared with complete misconception for a good second and burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Darling, you better not try" she smiled indulgently
I felt abashed. Abashed up to my fingertips for ruining the sanity of French. Walking home through the streets enriched with history, I solemnly swore never to say a "bonjour" and stick to "exercises gramatique" for the rest of my life.
As incessant flows of chattering tourists passed, I was trying diligently to recall a true reason for taking a 12-hour train trip instead of flying to Egypt on a family vacation. I figured out there is no one-word answer. My personality is a bizarre mix of courage and spontaneity.
The same night the festival managers were throwing a massive party for actors, casting directors, and volunteers. For somewhat reason, my predictions were inflated, and I was the only team member who arrived. Casually, I entered a mass sounding like a mix of European languages with not a single familiar face. I stood, sipping on coke and nodding my head to any French words addressed. Suddenly I stumbled upon Juliet, who immediately introduced me to her colleagues as a future Ukrainian actress and a desperate French learner. She threw a bunch of garbled phrases, chuckled, and withdrew from sight, leaving me embarrassed.
Despite the short period of time, that week was a life-changer. I made my biggest meaningful step in language learning and realized it is my way of exploring different cultures. And yes, I did break my promise. As everyone was leaving, I thanked Juliet for an incredible experience and, with a slight tremble, said, "J'espère que nous nous reverrons bientôt." Proud and with a silly smile on my face, I left my fears in that building
