I received my B.A. in Communications and French from Hope College in Holland, MI. I decided to pursue a degree in French not because I had my heart set on teaching in a classroom setting, but simply because I couldn't get enough of studying language! My undergrad years included a semester abroad at the University of Rennes II in Brittany, France, where I studied French literature, journalism, translation, and pronunciation. During my undergrad, I worked as a French tutor in one-on-one settings, as well as a teaching assistant for a French course, independently leading a weekly class that followed their professor's curriculum and provided additional space for practice. Since graduating in 2014, I have spent 4 years living and working in francophone West Africa, including 1 year of total language immersion in a professional setting. Aside from tutoring, I've found opportunities to use French in my community by volunteering as a translator and interpreter for asylum seekers. I currently volunteer as an assistant in a weekly online ESL (English as a Second Language) class. In the past, I have worn more professional hats that I can count, but I can't remember having a job I didn't like. I have prepared coffee, catered wedding banquets, coordinated activities for a senior living community, and sold rain gear and climbing equipment at an outdoor sports retailer. Most recently, I've worked as the Executive Assistant for a medical NGO in West Africa.

I love living in Minnesota, because as soon as I'm starting to get tired of jogging and biking for exercise, then BAM--it's cross-country ski season! In my spare time, I also enjoy knitting, video editing, and playing games like Codenames (fueled by my fondness for words/language, I guess!)