Majors: French, Elementary Education

Why did you choose to study French?

I have loved French ever since I started learning it in middle school. Originally, I wanted to study it to become fluent, but now I realize it has opened a lot of doors for me. French has connected me to many parts of the world and has facilitated many meaningful relationships!

How has the program challenged you?

The French classes at Luther are different from typical language courses because they are very interactive and imitate real-world immersion experiences through a pedagogy called Reacting to the Past (RTTP). When playing Reacting to the Past, you have to know what you’re talking about which requires research beforehand. You must also react to what other people are saying which requires speaking French on the fly!

Have you been involved in a research project?

Yes, last summer I participated in collaborative research on French 17th century salons and the Académie Française. After the preliminary research, we created an interactive RTTP pedagogy that we now use in class.

What do you hope to do with your degree after graduation?

I hope to go on to work as an elementary or special education teacher in a French immersion school!

What do you like best about the campus life at Luther?

Everyone is so friendly! I always see people go the extra mile for strangers. It isn’t unusual for people to smile or hold the door open for me.

What do you typically do on weekends while on campus?

I love to get outside and explore the Decorah area. I also often attend lectures, concerts, and other events happening on campus.

How do you usually get involved in the Decorah community?

I work at Impact Coffee, and it’s been a great way for me to get to know the people of Decorah. I also attend different community events. I recommend working or volunteering in town to get yourself off campus and to get to know other people in Decorah!