Today has been a weird day. I've been trying to convince myself not to be depressed about the lingering anniversary of departing for Spain exactly a year ago.
Then I had to go to a French immersion school to research a thesis for my bilingual studies class. While I sat in a classroom of bilingual 6 year olds, I couldn't help but flashback to being completely surrounded by different languages and this made me think about the window of cultures.
I discussed with Principal Thierry the concept that speaking another language is not only a line on a resume, or an ability, but it is a window into another way of seeing the world. He told me the story of this 4 year old Sebastian who is currently in Paris showing his two non French speaking parents around the city.
Before I left for Europe I honestly thought of foreigners as kind of annoying people who do not know how to tip, but now they fascinate me. I have been opened up into this window of culture. For some reason their culture now fascinates me more than my own.
I have come to the conclusion that I want to dedicate my life to studying other cultures, this was secured recently by adding an International Studies minor to my degree. Not too sure how I can develop this passion into a form of income, but I'll do my best to make it happen. I've been having visions of being an English teacher abroad. I observed a French teacher, Ellie, today and saw myself in her shoes.
These assessments would have never existed if I wouldn't have boarded that flight a year ago. I only hope that everyone gets the chance to view different cultures, and lifestyles. It not only makes you understand ethnicity more but also acquire a more in depth knowledge about yourself.
Dan Auerbach:
Very exciting development in your educational path, Kirst!! I'm sure you'll find a way to make your degree work for you. And, of course, I'd love to visit you if you took a job teaching in another country. :)
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