French Concentration

Sophie Wagner, 2025

 

 

 

What inspired you to choose your major and/or minor in French Language and Culture? 

I’ve been fascinated with family history since I was a kid. French is my grandmother’s and great-grandmother’s first language. Hearing them speak amongst each other on holiday visits to Brooklyn inspired me to learn French to better connect with them. My Nana immigrated to the United States from Egypt as a child. French was an important language among the immigrant community in Egypt. She also lived in Paris for a few months while waiting for her American visa to be approved. Learning French is a pathway for me not only to connect in the present with my family, but to connect to their lived experiences.

 

Was there a specific moment or experience when you realized that studying languages was the right path for you?

I started learning French in the sixth grade. When we began studying verb conjugations, the patterns stuck rhythmically into my brain. I felt something click and fell in love with learning French. In middle school, we used to listen to French songs to help us learn the language. We would dissect the lyrics and the underlying meanings and emotions behind the songs. French was communicated to me in a way that caught my attention and created a passion for understanding how other people communicate across the globe.

 

As a student of French language and culture, how has your perspective on French culture changed throughout your studies?

Studying abroad greatly influenced my perspective on French culture. My first study abroad was a language program at L’Alliance Française de Paris. In this program, I lived with a host family, learned French in a course with global peers of all ages, and explored the city with my fellow Mason students. The most meaningful perspective gained through this experience was from my host mom. She introduced me to her French lifestyle, which built my appreciation for our shared nightly dinners and the way she valued the arts. My second study abroad was a semester at Sciences Po Paris studying international relations. Learning alongside French peers in a French academic setting exposed me to a new style of learning and new ways of thinking.

 

Which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud of?

The accomplishment that I am most proud of during my time at Mason is my internship at the French Embassy. During the spring of my junior year, I was the Educational Team Intern within Cultural Services at the Embassy. Communicating in French at the office helped build my proficiency in professional French. I also advanced my program coordination skills, which I use at my current job. It was an incredibly meaningful experience to be working alongside diplomats to promote language and cultural exchange.

 

Are there any faculty or staff members who made a difference at Mason?

While all of my professors in the Modern and Classical Languages Department helped me grow both academically and personally, the most notable professor during my time at Mason was Professor Romaniuc. Professor Romaniuc challenged me and encouraged my growth at every step of my undergraduate career. She was the French Club advisor, my academic advisor, the leader of my Summer in Paris study abroad program, my professor, and my biggest supporter. Professor Romaniuc encouraged me to take on new opportunities, like a semester abroad in Paris at Sciences Po, co-founding French Club, and an internship at the French Embassy. She pushed me to challenge myself in my French courses and supported me when I needed help understanding new topics. She also celebrated these accomplishments with me. I am very grateful for all of her guidance and encouragement during my time at Mason, as well as after graduating.

 

What are your current career plans after graduation?

I am currently a Program Assistant at the National Security Institute, a think tank that is part of George Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School. I plan to continue building my skills in operations and program coordination in this role before beginning graduate school or law school. My research experiences during my Global Affairs B.A., as well as the Global Environmental Governance—A Legal Approach course during my semester abroad at Sciences Po, inspired me to pursue a career in international disaster policy, with emphasis on disaster mitigation, resiliency building, and sustainable development.

 

What unique strengths or skills—gained from your degree—are you most ready to showcase to the world?

Something that was emphasized to me in my French and Global Affairs courses was the importance of listening to different perspectives and working to understand why people hold their opinions. In many of my French courses, we watched films and read literature from across the globe spanning many time periods. This opened my mind up to new perspectives and ideas that I was not previously familiar with. My willingness to listen to new ideas and build understanding of historical contexts will make me an asset in my career.

 

What advice would you give to future students studying a new language at Mason?

My advice to future students studying a new language at Mason is to not be afraid to put yourself out there and to be open to new experiences. As a freshman, my first French class was on Zoom. I was afraid of going to a conversation circles event because I didn’t know anyone, but I am so glad that I did. Not only did this help my language development—it also connected me to new friends and encouraged me to join the founding French Club Executive Board. Taking one small step can open up so many new opportunities and experiences!

 

Is there an unforgettable or funny memory from your time on Mason’s campus that you would like to share?

One unforgettable memory that I have from my time on Mason's campus is the karaoke event that French Club co-hosted with the Russian Speaking Community and the Kurdish Student Organization last spring. This was one of the final French Club events before I graduated and ended my term as French Club President. I had a fun time singing French songs with my fellow French Club members, and we all had a good laugh when we realized some of the lyrics were too fast for us!