After graduating from Manistee High School in 2003, I enrolled at Alma College, a small liberal arts school in mid-Michigan. My time at Alma, just as at MHS, has been filled with many valuable and unforgettable experiences.
As a freshman at Alma College, I joined the rock climbing club where I met some of my greatest friends. Together, we have taken climbing trips around the U.S. to places such as the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, the New River Gorge in West Virginia, and Horse Pens 40 in Alabama. I am also actively involved in Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity dedicated to helping our campus, community, and nation. With this organization, I have participated in many philanthropic events, including Relay for Life, Alternative Spring Break, and Community Café (Alma’s soup kitchen).
In April 2007, I will graduate with a B.A. in French and economics. It’s hard to believe that I am almost finished; my time at Alma has, to use the old cliché, flown by. During my freshman year at MHS, I took my first French course with Mrs. Solwold. She taught me to love the language, culture, and people and prepared me well for the rigors of Alma’s curriculum. My passion for French has led to many amazing opportunities, the most recent of which was my semester abroad. During winter semester 2006, Paris was my second home. Spending six months in the City of Light was truly a turning point in my life. I was enrolled at the Alliance Française where I attended language courses 2-4 hours every day. These classes coupled with a home stay improved my French abilities beyond measure. My art history course was another unbelievable experience. I never imagined that I’d be able to study the works of Jacques-Louis David, Leonardo da Vinci, and Claude Monet in person. In addition to my coursework, I had the opportunity to complete an internship while in Paris. I worked for a small association called 360° which specializes in the organization of sporting and cultural events. I was principally responsible for marketing and communications research regarding an upcoming student auto-rally slated for summer 2007.
My study abroad experience left me with an insatiable desire to see the world, and the language skills that I acquired at MHS and Alma have been an invaluable asset. My passion for language, culture, and travel led me to apply for a Fulbright grant for the 2007-2008 academic year. If I receive this scholarship, I will spend a year in Belgium as a teaching assistant for an English conversation class. In addition, I will conduct a self-designed research project examining the evaluative tools used by cultural exchange organizations in Belgium.
My longer-term plans are to continue my studies in French at graduate school. The ultimate goal is to receive my doctorate and work either in international education or as a French professor in order to share my passion with eager, young minds. Although the future is uncertain, it is sure to bring many stimulating experiences. No matter where life takes me, I will never forget the wonderful teachers and excellent education I received at MHS.