It is abundantly clear that Megan McGurl is passionate about many things. One of her greatest passions is for French language and culture.
During our interview about her study abroad trip to Paris last summer (over coffee, of course), she spoke with passion about her long-awaited trip to France.
“I wanted to do a study abroad since freshman year of college, but it wasn’t in the cards for that summer. I saved up my sophomore year so I could go after that.”
After those months of anticipation and planning, the trip was truly a dream come true for McGurl. A longtime Francophile, her love for the language grew after a seemingly insignificant decision.
“It started in eighth grade, when I had to choose between Spanish and French for high school, and I chose French because it was out of the norm. It blossomed from there and I fell in love with the language.”
She decided to participate in the European Council Paris trip in July 2014. This eager traveller also took trips to Chantilly and Giverny. During her weeks in France, she became accustomed to the lifestyle of Parisians: walking everywhere and spending time outside.
“It’s a different lifestyle there, and I got to explore the daily in and outs of being a Parisian.”
Though she is back home in the States, she nevertheless continues her passion for French culture. She is a French minor and encourages students to experience the world through study abroad.
“I encourage other people to study abroad and through my excitement of the experience I had, I get other people interested.”
When she is not traipsing around Paris, McGurl has many other passions. She has been a dancer for five years and participates in the dance program at GCSU. She is the secretary of the Math Club and enjoys delving into a good book. She also has a love for cats, Oreos, and, like any good college student, napping.
After graduation, McGurl hopes to make a trip back to France so she will have more opportunities to explore the city, and improve her fluency in the language.
Bonne chance on your hopeful return!