French
Undergraduate Success Stories
Jessica Cichalski, BA 2001
Langford Award for excellence in the study of French.
Center for Public Policy & Administration, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
When I arrived at Notre Dame in the fall of 1997, I had never imagined that I would study French, live in Angers for a year, or leave four years later heading to Paris with a B.A. in history and French literature in hand. At the start of my first year, I did know that I wanted to spend my four years studying what I loved, what fascinated me, what challenged me. I stress the challenging aspect, for after the first fifty minutes in French Civilization and Culture, I was far from confident. After a few more classes, I was enthralled by the course and decided to attend an Angers informational meeting.
Eleven months later, I had accepted the challenge and was on my way to France to learn, grow, discover, and achieve. Extending myself beyond the accustomed boundaries of language and customs, time and place, I found a world filled with new friends, new adventures, and a new understanding of myself. Even after returning to Notre Dame, I continued to find a new realm of discovery through my French literature classes, which brought me to medieval castles, Algerian deserts, Canadian manors, Moroccan prisons, and Parisian apartments. In addition, with the diverse courses and lectures as well as the numerous activities of le Cercle Français, my interests and abilities continued to grow long after returning from France.
Upon graduation in May 2001, I returned to France to fulfill my dream of living on my own in Paris. Working at the Organisation de Coopération et de Développement Economiques (OECD) challenged me to expand my French skills through my work and contacts and to achieve new levels of understanding about international issues and perspectives. Now back in the States, I am working in community development and fundraising for Habitat for Humanity near Boston, MA. I continue to journey through French literature and remain in touch with friends abroad. This knowledge of the French language and appreciation of the vast French culture will accompany me wherever the road leads me.
