Giving Back

I came to Paris for what I thought it could offer me: an opportunity to really learn French, the chance to experience a different culture, and the challenge to adapt to a different way of life. In one way or another, Paris has offered me all of those things.

On Monday, I began teaching English at a public high school here, thus beginning my chance to give back. I had no idea what to expect on my first day. I was given two guidelines: encourage students to practice their conversation skills and convince them that I do not speak a word of French. It has been an interesting change of pace. I have spent the past month and a half trying to blend into Parisian society by speaking the language and learning the culture. But, for eleven hours a week at this high school, I have to pretend that none of that exists. In the classroom, I am my most American, English speaking self.

My first few classes Monday morning were painfully quiet. I had drastically overestimated the amount of English they speak, so I was scrambling to create activities and discussion topics as I went. An hour has never seemed so long.

But, as I worked out the kinks, it became more and more fun. Yesterday, I had my most animated class yet. Instead of dragging them out of silence, I actually had to ask them to quiet down and speak one at a time.

Not much has surprised me so far. I asked them what they want to learn about. They said music, but were not as interested in American politics or history (except for Barack Obama - they LOVE Barack Obama!).

But, I did have one poignant moment when a student came up to me after class and asked me "What are you here?"

I was not sure how to react at first. My immediate reaction was to be offended until I decided to optimistically respond by telling the student that I was interested in getting to know the students at the school and help them improve their English.

"Oh," she said, "because I want to do this too. I love to travel. Can I do this too?"

I eventually figured out that she wants to travel to a different country, like me, to teach French when she finishes high school. I told her I am not sure if a program like that exists, but I would let her know if I find out about something.

As I left the classroom, I realized just how lucky I am to be a native English speaker. People all over the world are learning English every day. That opens so many opportunities for me to communicate with people all over the world. Unfortunately, there is not nearly the same demand to learn French, so this student may not be given the same opportunities.

Since I got here in August, I have been jealous of every 3 year old speaking French on the playground or the girls who giggle in French on the streets because it all comes so easily to them, while I'm struggling to put sentences together everywhere I go. But, my teaching job is making me slowly realize that while I may be struggling in Paris, it's only because I'm on their turf. Language is a struggle for everyone around the world and by being born in the United States I have already been given the biggest linguistic advantage possible. Learning French seems a little bit less daunting.