Student Spotlight: JASPER'S FRIENDSHIP WITH FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Student Spotlight: Jasper McPhee’s French Journey
Jasper, right, with his French exchange student (center) and a friend in The Hamptons.
Jasper, tell us a little bit about yourself by way of introduction:
I’m currently a junior in high school in New York City, where I’ve lived my entire life. Since the pandemic, I’ve been spending. a lot of time at my grandmother’s farm in Hunterdon County, NJ as well.
How long have you been studying French?
I’ve been studying French most of my life. My mom decided that I should study it when I was very young. I studied Latin for two years as well, but dropped it before high school.
Jasper with his mom and sister - oh, and their dog, Gigi, in Paris.
What initially motivated you to learn French?
French is simply a beautiful language. I’ve always loved how it sounds. Two years ago, I had a French exchange student who exposed me to “French culture”. I never wanted to go back to America! Everyone was so nice and funny.
What are your favorite places you've visited in France, thus far, and why? What role does travel play in your life and in your language-learning journey?
Travel has always been a break from school. I’ve traveled all over France. I’ve been to Paris most often but my favorite regions are in the south of France. At every restaurant my family goes to, I try and talk to the waiter in French to practice my skills. For about two weeks of the summer I stay with my French friend, Grégoire, and at his house in Annecy. I’m only allowed to speak French, so I get a good amount of practice in.
Jasper, left, meeting his French exchange pal, Grégoire, for the first time in ANNECY, France.
Tell us more about your French exchange student -
Grégoire is literally one of my best friends. From the moment we met we connected and became somewhat like brothers. I met many of his friends and spoke with all of them in French. I learned a lot about French culture through his parents and grandparents who took me in as one of their own.
What do you enjoy about your AP French tutoring sessions with Anne? Can you describe a typical or recent session?
Anne helps me with my work that I have for class and it often leads into deeper philosophical discussions about whatever I am learning. She gives me vocabulary words to memorize to help me build my vocabulary as well. Sometimes we have sessions to go over grammar. I really like her sense of humor!
Anne, on lessons with Jasper:
“AP French classes started as usual with some verbs, grammar and vocabulary studies, but with Jasper it quickly became a moment of exchange about the risks of video games or the importance of love and friendship in building self-esteem - et tout ça en français, s’il vous plait ! “
If you could become fluent in another language besides French, which would you pick and why?
I would love to become fluent in Spanish. I know so many people who speak Spanish and it is another beautiful language. I’m also less intimidated by it now as I was when I was younger because there are similar rules in Spanish and French grammar - like the subjunctive.
in Bordeaux
