Lecturer II- French and Spanish
I am a hybrid cultural product, for I have been influenced by four cultures in my life: Congolese, French, American and Hispanic. I was born on the river banks of the Congo River, went to school in France and the United States. During College, I lived in Spain for two years in order to complete my Master’s Degree in Spanish at the University of Paris-7. In addition to having majored in Spanish, I also hold a DEA (Master’s Degree + 1 year of Methodology in preparation for the PH.D) in American History with a specific focus on African-American history, from the same University.
In 1997, I came to the U.S as an exchange student from the University of Paris-7. A year later, I joined the Romance Languages and Literatures’ faculty as a French lecturer. After showing interest in teaching Spanish as well, I gradually became a joint lecturer in Spanish and French.
If France has given me a completely free graduate education, the United States has provided me with the exceptional professional opportunity of teaching languages and culture at the University of Michigan for over 10 years now. Each of these years has been very valuable professionally.
Thanks to my parents, I am enamored of traveling, experiencing life beyond the frontiers to which I am accustomed, meeting people from all walks of life and cultures, and existing in a different language.
I have vacationed a few times in the Congo and love visiting my family in France when an opportunity presents itself. Indeed, I love to share my unique experience with my students, who do in fact appreciate it. Traveling has made me a different person. It has allowed me to decode humanity better, penetrate layers of life in a more interesting fashion, and certainly be less prejudiced.
Last but not least, since my areas of interest are history and culture, I sit in regularly on advanced Spanish courses to further my understanding of the Hispanic world, specifically, the indigenous narrative and culture. Moreover, I am committed to young people and seniors, for I believe they have a better story to tell. I am a lunch duty mother and a Scout leader at St Thomas, my son’s school. Among our activities we visit the elderly in hospitals with the kids.
