Embracing the Melody of French

When I entered high school at Future School, I joined the French class taught at the time by Gildo. His warm smile and his fragrant flower arrangement greeted me each day, and I soon discovered that French was not just another subject, but that it was my true calling. The intricacies and nuances of the language intrigued me, and I connected with French in a way that would only grow stronger with time. I attended weekend classes due to my enthusiasm, practising pronunciation and immersing myself in the language.

Mastering French was not without its challenges. I considered myself a slow learner. Pronunciation, in particular, was so frustrating that it occasionally tempted me to give up. However, with Gildo's support, I found the strength to persevere. His encouragement and unwavering belief in my abilities helped me build confidence and keep going. My efforts paid off when I achieved an exceptional grade in my O-level exams, reaffirming the value of my hard work and determination.

Despite the financial constraints that forced me to seek work immediately after completing high school, my passion for the French language burned brightly. Determined to continue my studies, I found support at the Alliance Française in Pondicherry. Under the guidance of my mentor, Tapas, a kind and helpful teacher, I signed up for evening classes, often driving to Pondicherry after a long day's work. At the Alliance, I encountered Nicolas, my new French teacher, whose dedication to teaching never wavered despite his busy schedule. This setting where we can speak only in French really helped me take it to the next level, while creating deep friendships with fellow language enthusiasts of all ages.

As my French improved more and more, I started to feel more confident, leading me to undertake the DELF B1 exam. Out of 25 candidates, I emerged as one of five successful participants, which gave me immense joy and validation. Fueled by my own achievements, I discovered a newfound passion for teaching French. Taking on the role of an assistant teacher in Chennai, I experienced the indescribable joy of sharing my knowledge with others. Now, in addition to working full time at YouthLink, I teach French in the evenings to children between the ages of six to ten.

My journey with French has taught me so much about myself and about the power of passion and determination. It was rewarding in many ways, and it is a skill that I will cherish for the rest of my life. From my early days of curious exploration to my current role as a dedicated teacher, I have experienced the countless rewards of embracing a foreign language. My story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring linguists, reminding us that with dedication, support, and a willingness to embrace challenges, we can unlock new worlds of knowledge, understanding, and personal growth.