Today was the coldest it’s been since I arrived à la fin de janvier. In fact, we have hail happening right now: la grêle! Le mois de mars s’en va comme un lion!

I came home from school a little late because a new friend (Jennifer, from America) and I stopped at the local boulangerie for croissants and une traditionnelle, etc. Then, we sat and chatted for an hour, getting to know one another.

We discussed the class, our prof, and shared our experiences and opinions on learning French. We both feel the class is exactly what we need, and we’re both pushing ourselves. I keep reminding myself that growth doesn’t happen without a little pain or discomfort.

The latest prof is demanding and quick, and expects the same in return. I don’t mind doing the work. I just have to get over my nerves when it comes to REMEMBERING my lines when “performing.” I’m doing okay, and I am learning exactly what I want to learn. But I can do better.

I’m enjoying learning the rhythm of the language, proper pronunciation, and emphasis on different syllables — all of which is a tall order when you’ve only been here for 2 months. I’ll get there, even if I have to take this course twice. Why do I say that? Because I just learned that the two women in the class who are the strongest students have taken this course THREE times! The dialogues/memorization pieces always change, so they said it’s different for them every time, but they are seasoned and it shows. They’re impressive!

One of the two women is from Russia, but came here after having lived in NYC. She’s been here for awhile now and speaks Russian, Italian, German, English, and I’ve lost count — but like everyone else I’ve met, she says French is the hardest. I never knew that, but I do now.

Every day as I arrive for my afternoon class, I run into my friends from my last B1 course. It’s always such a genuinely warm and happy encounter! We really did come together in that class.

They were all excited to hear about my adventures in the Theatre Class, and I gave them the nitty-gritty details. They’re all avoiding Theatre class like the plague, and I don’t know why. They’re much better prepared than me! Lol! I’ll have to keep updating them as I (hopefully) progress.

Anyway, when I inquired as to their B1-B2 class, I was sad to hear that they’re all dropping out, and opting for a different teacher. A few of us had both Profs Annie and Caroline together. So whoever this new teacher is — he/she is NOT liked. I think there are only 2 students left in the class. Not a good look. It’s the first week!!! Another friend joined our conversation, and I jokingly asked her if she would be dropping out too, and she said she already did — on Tuesday. Yikes! I think I’m glad I opted for a different tack this month. These students are serious adult professionals too – engineers, a surgeon, etc. I don’t think that teacher will last with that kind of ratio.