I have always known that my biggest struggle in this school would be my academic writing. I came into school aware that I needed to work on it, but my relationship with language extends beyond English to all the languages I speak. I often navigate popular culture easily in these languages, yet translating that understanding into conceptualized readings and analytical papers can be difficult.
For English, learned in my teenage years, I was once hyperaware of my accent, worried about how I sounded. Now, I take pride in speaking differently; when I stutter or struggle to articulate, it reminds me that my English reflects hybridity. I have learned to express myself well in conversation and casual writing, though academic writing still demands effort.
In French, my second language, writing has been both a challenge and a strength. Completing the highest-level French class in my home country gave me a strong foundation in grammar and syntax. French allows me to think critically and articulate nuanced ideas, offering perspectives that English alone cannot.
Creole, my mother tongue, has evolved as I integrated into American life. I often substitute English words into Creole, creating a linguistic hybridity that reflects my life between cultures. This can make formal writing tricky, but it strengthens my ability to code-switch and communicate deeply within my cultural community.
These languages intersect in both productive and challenging ways in my academic work. If I can’t express myself clearly on paper, my speaking can be limited, too. As a French and Government major, I sometimes spiral into contradictory arguments while drafting papers. Sharing stories with my parents can spark a vocabulary war, highlighting the interplay of my languages.
Writing about my individuality in academia, I often draw on my cultural background, sometimes omitting hobbies to emphasize a larger theme: the representation of a non-U.S.-born citizen girl navigating America, academia, and its opportunities. Being bilingual and trilingual equips me with a unique lens to interpret the world, think critically, and communicate across contexts—an asset that shapes both my academic and personal identity.
