Introductory Post
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| Personal image, Carlie and me |
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| Personal image, Yat Fan and me |
Hello! My name is Bridget Clayton and I am a French major and Music minor at the University of Oklahoma. I am currently taking my last semester completely online, as I have already finished my French courses and gone through Capstone. I’m just finishing up some upper-division credits.
I was originally a Music major because I love playing clarinet. Throughout high school, clarinet was the most important part of my life. However, I went through a lot of personal and familial issues during my first two years at OU, and I was struggling in some key music courses, like music theory. French had been my minor, but I realized that I was doing exceptionally well in my language classes, and as I did not want to teach music, I switched my major and minor. My last semester was a big success. I was taking four French courses, including Capstone, and was in one of the bands at OU, and I got my first 4.0. I also won the Ivar Ivask language scholarship and had it presented to me by my favorite professor who also nominated me to apply for a Fulbright grant. I am often sad that I am not getting a degree in music because I missed out on a lot of playing opportunities. However, I know that it was the right decision.
I am still not 100% sure of what I would like to do in the future, but I definitely have options. I would like to get a Master’s not long after graduation. First, though, I am most likely going to do some sort of English teaching opportunity in France or Belgium next year. If I win the Fulbright, I will get to teach in a Belgian university for a year, free of charge. I don’t see myself actually winning it, but I can try now and again in the future. I’m also applying for TAPIF, where I would teach in a French school beginning next fall. If neither of those things work out, I will do a program called Interexchange where I would live with a French family as an au pair. It is important to me that I get experience using my French degree to put the language to use before I begin a Master’s program. I am considering teaching English as a foreign language, but want to explore my options. I have already purchased some GRE materials so I can begin studying for the test now.
Reading is one of my favorite activities. Where I’m living now, I don’t have easy access to Barnes and Noble anymore, but I used to go there all the time! It’s nice for me to be alone often so I can think for myself without the influence of my friends, even if I love them. Haruki Murakami is one of my favorite authors, and I recommend his works if you like bizarre, dreamlike worlds. This summer I have read The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell, How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff, and The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. That’s not a lot for an entire summer, but I have been working a lot and just moved! I need to get to it. (I also just got a Netflix, sooo…I watched Riverdale season one in two sittings, lol). I also enjoy music by the Beatles, Coldplay, The Killers, Mumford and Sons, Arctic Monkeys, and Lorde, etc.
I also love things that make me feel cozy, like socks, books, clouds, chocolate, and coffee. I worked at Starbucks at OU with some amazing people for two years, and that was easily the best job I’ve had. After moving, I now work at a regular Starbucks and it’s loads less fun. :( I’m now living with my boyfriend, Yat Fan. He graduated from OU this past semester with a Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering and a Master’s in Business. He’s pretty smart, lol. :D Also, I love hanging out with my best friend, just like any person does. We’ve been friends for ten years. Her name is Kaitlin and she’s an English major obsessed with the Beatles. Her bedroom walls are completely covered in Beatles posters, and her record collection is huge. She’s amazing at memorizing song lyrics without hearing them many times. She’s about to teach me how to cook since I was never taught and up until now haven’t had a great space to do it. So, that’s a goal for the coming months. If you want to check out her Instagram dedicated to the Beatles, it’s @ihavejusteenaface. :’-D
Personal image, Kaitlin and me six years ago
I guess that’s about all. Looking forward to getting to know some of you through the class!
I was originally a Music major because I love playing clarinet. Throughout high school, clarinet was the most important part of my life. However, I went through a lot of personal and familial issues during my first two years at OU, and I was struggling in some key music courses, like music theory. French had been my minor, but I realized that I was doing exceptionally well in my language classes, and as I did not want to teach music, I switched my major and minor. My last semester was a big success. I was taking four French courses, including Capstone, and was in one of the bands at OU, and I got my first 4.0. I also won the Ivar Ivask language scholarship and had it presented to me by my favorite professor who also nominated me to apply for a Fulbright grant. I am often sad that I am not getting a degree in music because I missed out on a lot of playing opportunities. However, I know that it was the right decision.
I am still not 100% sure of what I would like to do in the future, but I definitely have options. I would like to get a Master’s not long after graduation. First, though, I am most likely going to do some sort of English teaching opportunity in France or Belgium next year. If I win the Fulbright, I will get to teach in a Belgian university for a year, free of charge. I don’t see myself actually winning it, but I can try now and again in the future. I’m also applying for TAPIF, where I would teach in a French school beginning next fall. If neither of those things work out, I will do a program called Interexchange where I would live with a French family as an au pair. It is important to me that I get experience using my French degree to put the language to use before I begin a Master’s program. I am considering teaching English as a foreign language, but want to explore my options. I have already purchased some GRE materials so I can begin studying for the test now.
Reading is one of my favorite activities. Where I’m living now, I don’t have easy access to Barnes and Noble anymore, but I used to go there all the time! It’s nice for me to be alone often so I can think for myself without the influence of my friends, even if I love them. Haruki Murakami is one of my favorite authors, and I recommend his works if you like bizarre, dreamlike worlds. This summer I have read The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell, How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff, and The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. That’s not a lot for an entire summer, but I have been working a lot and just moved! I need to get to it. (I also just got a Netflix, sooo…I watched Riverdale season one in two sittings, lol). I also enjoy music by the Beatles, Coldplay, The Killers, Mumford and Sons, Arctic Monkeys, and Lorde, etc.
I also love things that make me feel cozy, like socks, books, clouds, chocolate, and coffee. I worked at Starbucks at OU with some amazing people for two years, and that was easily the best job I’ve had. After moving, I now work at a regular Starbucks and it’s loads less fun. :( I’m now living with my boyfriend, Yat Fan. He graduated from OU this past semester with a Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering and a Master’s in Business. He’s pretty smart, lol. :D Also, I love hanging out with my best friend, just like any person does. We’ve been friends for ten years. Her name is Kaitlin and she’s an English major obsessed with the Beatles. Her bedroom walls are completely covered in Beatles posters, and her record collection is huge. She’s amazing at memorizing song lyrics without hearing them many times. She’s about to teach me how to cook since I was never taught and up until now haven’t had a great space to do it. So, that’s a goal for the coming months. If you want to check out her Instagram dedicated to the Beatles, it’s @ihavejusteenaface. :’-D
Personal image, Kaitlin and me six years ago
I guess that’s about all. Looking forward to getting to know some of you through the class!
Congratulations on being ready to graduate, Bridget — and that is so exciting that you plan to go to Europe afterwards! I lived in Europe for a couple of years (England and Poland) after I finished college, and every day was an adventure! And teaching foreign languages is so much fun; when I first came to OU I was teaching Latin and Greek, and I still miss it. Although teaching writing is really fun too! And it is so nice to meet a Murakami fan: Wind-Up Bird Chronicle would go on my list of all-time favorite books. Maybe you will try your hand at some Murakami-style writing for class! And of course I am hoping for a Beatles-inspired project in Indian Epics... :-)
ReplyDeleteI could try! I'm honestly worried about trying to write. I've always done well on papers and class assignments, but have never tried to write an interesting story or anything. We will see what comes out! :'-D
DeleteHi Bridget! It sounds like you have some pretty interesting and exciting plans after you graduate. I think that I would be happy if I ended up doing any of those things you listed off. Traveling to another country sounds very exciting. It is great that you are wanted to put French mastery to work. That is a very impressive skill! Congrats on almost being done with school!
ReplyDeleteHi Bridget!
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have a pretty solid plan going forward and many options. I think it's great that you want to teach, especially in a foreign country. Everything about it will make for a great experience, I'm sure.
I understand the frustrations of changing your major because you realize it isn't what you really want to do, but it appears to have worked out in your favor so far.
How did you become interested in French? I would love to know another language, but I'm not sure I have the dedication or patience to do so. I never took a foreign language in middle school or high school, so I feel quite a bit behind even for the requirements at OU. Definitely something I wish I could go back and redo.
I enjoyed reading a bit about you. Good luck on the rest of the semester!
-Jeremy
Hi Bridget!
ReplyDeleteI think it is so cool that you are a French Major. I studied abroad in England last summer and took a weekend trip over to Paris. While I was there, my one regret is that no one in my group spoke French. France is so beautiful and has such a rich history, but I feel as though you can't get the full experience unless you can speak the language. I hope you are able to live and work there next year!
-Elizabeth
Hi Bridget! First things first, we have the same blog theme! I love it! It's so pretty. I loved reading your introduction too, not just looking at it. My cousin was an au pair in France for years, and she adored the whole experience! I'd love to do it too, but I don't speak a second language well enough, unfortunately. Good luck on the Fulbright though! I'm rooting for you! It sounds like you have passion, and that's one of the most important parts. Good luck in everything!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the issues that you were having! But I think its great that you figured out a remedy. Also, I feel like thats a story-worthy maneuver. I've never heard of someone switching a major to a minor and vista-versa. Moreover, I think its really cool that you want to teach english. I bet it will afford you the opportunity to travel all over the world. Also, I think you have good taste books and music. And in your closing paragraph, Im going to assume that Fall/winter is a good time of year for you. Dido! Anyway, I wish you and your bf luck in all your endeavors. Hope GRE studying goes well!
ReplyDeleteI think it's amazing that you have such a strong plan for after you graduate. I personally am graduating soon as well and it's nice to see that others are able to plan productively. I visited France Earlier this year actually and I loved the country. i had no idea what anybody was saying but it sounded beautiful. I hope the fullbright grant works out for you. I am sure you'll have some nerve wracking times ahead as you wait to find out.
ReplyDeleteHi Bridget, it's great meeting you. That's awesome about your plans after graduation. I have never been to Europe, but have always wanted to go. I can imagine that it's unbelievable and that's why you want to start over there. France is the top place of interest for me to go visit, so great choice! I think that's awesome and you'll have a lot of fun. It was great getting to know you, I have you have a great semester and good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteHi, Bridget! Congrats on graduating this semester! That's awesome that you're doing all your classes online, you probably have plenty of time to learn how to cook and read :) I'm finally learning to cook as well, and its been fun! I've only tried my hand at a couple of different things but I'm finally starting to branch out and its been great! I'm so jealous about you going to Europe after graduation. I studied abroad in France last summer, and that was the first time I had been out of the US and it was amazing. Now all I wan to do is continue to travel across the world. I hope you win the Fulbright! Good luck with your last semester.
ReplyDeleteHi, Bridget! First off, congrats on reaching the end of your college career - I'm fresh into the journey, and I understand how many obstacles you've had to overcome and how much work you have had to do to get to that point! I studied abroad in Europe this past summer, and think that your decision to try and go to Europe after graduation is absolutely fantastic! That continent is absolutely breathtaking, and I think you'd have the time of your life there. I really do hope you win the Fulbright, and I wish you luck in your future!
ReplyDeleteHey Bridget! That's awesome that you were offered the chance to apply for the Fulbright grant! That's super interesting that French is your major and music as your minor, not many people have those combinations, but it's very artsy and I like it. Congrats on receiving a 4.0 at OU, I know that can be difficult for some, especially me. I can definitely relate in taking online classes for your last semester, I am doing the same as this is my last semester. Although, I am also taking my capstone currently this semester, which isn't so bad. Even if you don't know what you'll be doing once you graduate, you have quite a bit of options that you seem to have thought out, which is great! It's hard to tell where we'll all be, even if it's something we thought out, but I hope you figure it out! I can agree with liking things cozy, I'm the same way, but because I don't give myself the time to read, I utilize Netflix like crazy and it's super convenient. It was really great getting to know you, good luck post-grad! :D
ReplyDeleteHey Bridget!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a lot of cool opportunities set before you, and I wish you the very best. I've had a couple of friends who are music majors, and I have seen them struggle a great deal. I hope you have opportunities in the future to play the clarinet since you love it so much!
Good luck this semester as you finish your upper divisions!
Hello Bridget,
ReplyDeleteI first want to say, Everything always work out for the better! I hope everything your life has gotten better since the first couple of years of College! I admire you for your hard work last semester! It is a great accomplishment to receive a 4.0! I hope you treated yourself afterwards. Teaching in France will be a great opportunity of you! I am not sure if you have ever been but France is a cool place. There are a few things you will have to adjust to like, they don't really have A/C in most places and they don't believe in using ice, unless it is with white wine. The people are really nice! Do not believe that French people are mean. It was nice getting to know you!
Hi Bridget!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your successful semester! It is so rewarding to work so hard and see it pay off with a 4.0! That is great that you are thinking about going to graduate school! I am also thinking about attending grad school online, since I will be graduating this semester and starting my first adult job! Especially with your great grades and success, I definitely recommend that you look into doing it!
Hey Bridget! Wow, first off, congratulations on the scholarship! That's super cool and I love that you are planning on teaching in Europe after graduation! That will be so exciting. I have always wanted to go to Europe but haven't had the chance to tour those countries yet, unfortunately :( Great job on everything in college thus far, too. You worked, got good grades, and are planning on pursuing what you love, so that is simply inspiring. And it's nice to see that you have so many options after graduation as well! That must feel great :) Good luck this semester and in Europe next year if you go :)
ReplyDeleteHey Bridget! It sounds to me like you're a pretty fun and upbeat person, like me! I also love to read, so we could totally exchange book suggestions sometime.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love French! I took three semesters of it because I've always wanted to, but I'm still only mildly conversational. I wish I could hone my skills and get experience, but I'm glad you have opportunities to do so!
Hey Bridget!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that you found your way around choosing the major and minor. You have great plans ahead, I hope it works out for you. That's awesome that you majored in French and wants to live abroad. That's a good choice of major, since you will be living there. It will be really helpful to communicate with others and understand their culture. Good job for all the achievements and good luck for the future!
Hi Bridget! Your plans for after graduation sound amazing and I really hope it works out for you. I have never been to Europe but I would really like to some day. I am not sure what I want to do as a career yet, either. I like to think that most people aren't sure so it's okay! Congratulations on all of your achievements, it sounds like you are very bright and will have a successful future! Thanks for sharing and best of luck!
ReplyDeleteHey Bridget! I love that you majored in French and get to live there after graduation! That sounds so fun and amazing. I personally always loved Italy and I've been before when I graduated high school. I thought it would be poetic that once I graduate college in May that I will go back and end it in Italy like I did when I ended high school. It was nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteHey Bridget!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting that it's your final semester at OU! Good luck with your future; I bet you will do very well! It also seems like you have lots of options to use your degree and teach English; it would so exciting to travel across the world and teach your native language! That would be very intimidating, though.. I love your pictures with your best friend and boyfriend; seeing your classmates' faces makes this class more interactive! I might have to come see you in Starbucks sometimes... I am a coffee lover as well! Good luck with your final semester, and I can't wait to read your stories!