“The French department is a welcoming and educational space with an amazing staff and student body.”
As a Biology major pursuing a veterinary career, Lily-Marie decided to pursue an additional French major due to an interest in the language and culture. Previously attending a French immersion school, Lily-Marie wanted to continue learning the language, as well as learning more about Francophone cultures. She describes the atmosphere within her French classes as a comfortable environment in which students feel welcomed and can have casual conversations with their peers and professors, saying “an atmosphere is created that allows students to comfortably carry conversations in French with their professors and other classmates which I find to be an optimal learning environment.” Lily-Marie has appreciated the French faculty’s efforts to make classes fun and engaging, describing her favorite class experience with Professor Severine Bates having class outside in the Gustavus Arboretum. All of the professors that Lily-Marie has taken courses with have helped her grow in her learning of the French language and Francophone culture, and have been supportive of their students in future career paths. Outside of the classroom, Lily-Marie is also involved on campus with French Club, Gustie Buddies, Pre-Vet Club, and Pound Pals.