Embarking on my journey as a French student, I faced the daunting challenge of language barriers. But little did I know that this hurdle would only fuel my determination to achieve greatness in the field of journalism. Brace yourself for a captivating tale of perseverance and success in the field.
I'll never forget that life-changing day, etched in my mind like a masterpiece painting. I was just a curious eleven-year-old, scribbling away in my diary, when my mother burst into my room, brimming with excitement. "I got the promotion!" she exclaimed, her joy palpable." We're going back to the United States!" My heart sank as confusion washed over me like a tidal wave. France had become my home for the past few years, and the thought of leaving it behind was overwhelming.
But three months later, I found myself stepping foot on American soil. With very little knowledge of the English language, aside from basic greetings like "Good morning" and "Goodbye," I entered a realm of uncertainty and trepidation. It was a world where communication seemed very challenging at the time. As I struggled to adapt to my new surroundings, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss for the life I had left behind.
But as time passed, I began to see the beauty in my new home. The towering skyscrapers, the bustling streets, and the diverse cultures all around me opened up a whole new world of possibilities. And as I learned to communicate in this new language, I discovered a newfound confidence within myself. And so, one fateful day, we were led to the library, a sanctuary of knowledge and possibility.
As I perused the shelves, my heart fluttered with anticipation, I searched for the perfect book, to aid me in my quest for English proficiency. Each shelf held a promise, each title whispered a secret, and in that moment, surrounded by all those books, I stumbled upon a book called "Dork Diaries." Its protagonist's expressive writing style immediately drew me in, as her words overflowed with emotions that deeply resonated with me.
This newfound passion inspired me to embark on my own literary journey. I poured my thoughts and experiences onto paper, creating a tapestry of stories that reflected my unique perspective, sharing glimpses of my West African and French heritage that set me apart.
And as I wrote, I felt a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose, a sense of home. For in the pages of my journal, I found my voice, my identity, my story. As the clock ticked away, my passion for spinning tales only grew stronger. It dawned on me that life was akin to a blank notebook, eagerly waiting to be filled with new memories and experiences. Each chapter held its own unique story, just like how life presented us with challenges and lessons.
I embraced the obstacles that came my way, seeing them as stepping stones leading me towards my destined path in journalism. After completing high school, my heart was set on finding a college that would nurture my skills in writing, editing, and journalism. During my research, I stumbled upon Loyola University, Maryland, a renowned institution known for its exceptional journalism program that prepares students for various news professions.
At that moment, I knew deep down that Loyola University was my dream school. I couldn't contain my happiness as I thought, "This is it!". A month later, an acceptance letter arrived from Loyola University, informing me that I had been accepted into their journalism program. And so, my journey to Baltimore, the city that would shape my career, began.
Baltimore welcomed me with open arms. It became a place where I learned valuable life lessons, shared laughter with incredible people, and discovered countless opportunities. The people I met along the way became my second family, and Baltimore became my home for the past year. Every minute spent in this vibrant city was cherished and loved.
As I approach my graduation in a few weeks, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for all that I have achieved. From struggling with the English language to working at Washington D.C's top news station, I am grateful for the journey I have taken, and I am excited to see where my career as a journalist will lead me next.
Author’s note: I have included photographs that I captured during my visit to France last year.
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