I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, spent four years in
Charlottesville, VA getting a BA in French and Anthropology
at the University of Virginia, and then spent three years in
Houston, TX teaching French at a public high school. I came
to AUP specifically for the Master’s program, which has
exceeded my expectations. I’ve also found a small community
in which I can be involved in many ways.
I am the Graduate School Council President, and also try
to attend relevant/interesting lectures including the MEIS
film series, as well as most social events.
I would describe AUP classes as unique, personal, and
engaged. There are only seven students in my program, so we
really have a chance to interact with the professors.
Professor Rahnema does an incredible job of recruiting
scholars who are renowned in their particular fields, most
of whom come from elsewhere in Europe to teach our classes.
This lends itself to discussions and plenty of individual
attention and help, and also gives us the chance to get to
know our professors outside of the classroom setting through
periodic program dinners.
I love that the campus is in the city and is truly a part
of Paris. I think Paris is wonderful – it exposes me to many
cultures and upbringings that I would otherwise not have
found in one place. This often makes class much more
interesting as different people bring a wide variety of
viewpoints to discussions. It also helps to open my eyes,
causing me to realize just how much I don’t know about the
world.
I lived in the Marais last year, and I love that area –
especially my street, rue des Ecouffes; I haven’t lived
there since June, but the épicier and the boucher
and the tailleur still know and talk to me, which is
a really neat feeling in such an anonymous and transient
city as Paris.
I would love to stay in Paris, but all future plans hinge
on finding a job!
I think the opportunity for involvement here at AUP is
incredible. It feels like students can make anything happen,
from starting a club to bringing in guest speakers to
hosting an international conference. The small community
means that students and faculty really know and help each
other, and the support of the administration can be
invaluable. I have found that if the interest and commitment
is there, students can find support. |
