Success Stories
Core French in
a Small SK Town
-Melissa McLeod
I began learning French at my small
town school in grade four. As a student of core French, I would have
never imagined that I could have benefited as much from learning
French as I already have.
While studying Agriculture and
French at the University of Saskatchewan, I had the opportunity
to travel to Québec twice to participate in the Summer Language
Bursary Program. My French language studies opened my eyes not
only to Québec culture, but also to French literature, television,
theatre and music from all over the world. After graduating from
university, I received employment as an English monitor in Québec
through the Official Language Monitor Program. I improved my
French, but also expanded my knowledge of the English language
and Saskatchewan culture. While living in Québec, I traveled extensively
within Québec and four other provinces. Even though I loved Québec
and all of the places I visited, my appreciation for Saskatchewan
grew each day that I was away.
When I moved home last December,
I was thrilled to find work in Saskatchewan that gave me the opportunity
to use my French. Through my Young Canada Works internship, I
was able to live and work in my home province while promoting
French education and learning about Fransaskois culture. I have
recently been able to combine both of my degrees by offering language
classes for agronomists and translation services to agricultural
companies.
Now that I am aware of the many challenges facing French
educational opportunities in Saskatchewan, I am thankful that
I learned French and can use it to encourage others that learning
a second-language has both personal and professional benefits.
