An update from Erin Jessup, double major in history and French and minor in anthropology.
“Even as a child, I have always been fascinated by other languages besides my native English, but I never thought that it would be feasible to be able to really learn these other languages. I started learning French in 7th grade, and I’ve been in love with the language ever since. I hope to eventually try to learn other languages in the future as well.
At Illinois State, I participate in many activities. I am a member of Student Alumni Council, in which I am the historian. I also participate in Pi Delta Phi, the French Honor Society. In Pi Delta Phi, we have conversation hours and do other activities together. I am also very involved in the Honors Program at ISU. Finally, I work in the box office at the Center for Performing Arts on campus.
As a history major, most of my classes can be very lecture-heavy, so it’s really nice to come to the more interactive, discussion-based French classes that I am in. I love the sense of community that I get from the classes because you get to know your classmates and professors pretty quickly since you’ have so many conversations with them. Everyone is so supportive and wants to help you progress as much as possible. I truly felt like I’ve found a “language family” here.
I have not studied abroad yet, but I plan to study in Angers, France, in the spring of 2018.
After I graduate, I plan to continue to graduate school to earn a master’s degree. After that, my goal is to work in a museum, either as a curator, or part of the education department, or somehow otherwise involved. Hopefully along the way I have the opportunity to work or volunteer in a museum in a francophone country.”
