As the kids got older, became busy with high school, and learned how to drive, I found that I had a little more time on my hands during the day. I'd always wanted to learn another language, and Mark was traveling more for work (to Cannes, France!), so I figured I'd try French at our local Community College. French 101 was such a blast, in part due to the fantastic professor. Pierre, a native of France, teaches not just the language, but enhances the curriculum with history, literature, poetry, music, politics and pop culture.
I decided to continue, taking all four of the semester-long classes. It was interesting being a student, 25 years after earning a B.S. in Business Admin at USC. I was not the youngest in the classroom, but I was also not the oldest. This time, it was just for myself -- not the means to a career. I met some wonderful people and made some new friends.
Eventually, I looked-into what it would take to earn an AA in French. Since I'd already received a B.S., most of the GE requirements had already been met. I'd only need to take a few classes that had been added as GEs in California since the last time I'd been in school. After taking all of the French offered at COC, I've taken the GEs this year (Women in California History, which covers both a Diversity and History requirements, Nutrition and Wellness, for the PE requirement, and I'm finishing-up with Political Science this semester).
The only class left to take is Conversational French, which is offered at COC, and is a lower-level class than those I've already taken. However, I'd saved it for last because it is also offered every other summer as a COC Study Abroad class.
In Paris. For a month! I know, right?
I feel so incredibly privileged, lucky, blessed, fortunate (should I keep going?) that I am able to participate in this program. Mark and I have been able to travel to some great locations over the years, often with the kids. In 2010, we sent Sam to China on his high school's study abroad summer program. If Molly decides to study abroad during her time at WWU, we would support that wholeheartedly. This summer, the opportunity is mine. My goal, besides soaking-in the culture (and enjoying the cuisine) is to become more comfortable with spoken French. Two years is a good foundation, but in no way do I feel confident enough to say that I speak French.
I've chosen to live with a host family while in the program, which I am told will be the best way to immerse myself in the language. Most of the 25 students from COC will stay in the dorms, a few will rent apartments, but I've been told that those who have chosen a homestay have always had the BEST experience, so I am really looking forward to living like a French person, with French people.
The program is June 12 - July 12, and our COC prof, Pierre, will be our Parisian prof as well. The classroom will be the markets, metro, museums and various cultural sites in and around Paris.
Last, but not least, I am thrilled that Mark will be able to fly out and join me when the program is done! We plan to see Normandy and its WWII sites, and spend a little time in the Champagne region as well (where they just happen to have some WWI sites to visit). Hopefully, by the time Mark arrives, I can be our very own tour guide.
I'll miss some of the summer with my family, and that part makes me sad. I'll miss our 26th anniversary, Father's Day, and Molly's 18th birthday. Hopefully, we'll all have some great adventures while we are apart, which will make reuniting even more fun.
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