“Being part of a bilingual school community had a very positive influence on me. It helped me become more adaptable to change and more open to different perspectives and experiences.” – Shade May Rousselot
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your interests?
I’m French and lived in France for eight years before moving to the United States. What was originally supposed to be a one-year stay turned into eight years, during which I experienced a lot of change and growth. I now live in the Netherlands, which has further strengthened my love for traveling and discovering new cultures.
Q: What was your favorite part of your experience at the FAA?
Definitely the teachers. It truly felt like they cared about teaching and about us as students. They were always willing to help and made learning engaging and meaningful. I learned many skills and lessons from them that I still use today, both academically and in everyday life. Their support and encouragement had a lasting impact on me and played an important role in my growth during those years.
Q: Are there any classes, teachers, projects, or moments that stand out to you from your time at the FAA?
The teachers were what stood out to me the most during my time at the FAA. It always felt like they genuinely wanted to be there and were passionate about teaching. They were consistently supportive and available whenever students needed help. The teacher who stood out the most to me was Ms. Cathy Hartranft, my English science teacher. Her classes were engaging.
Q: Did you participate in any school trips, events, or activities that you especially enjoyed or remember fondly?
I remember one of our final trips in 8th grade, we went to an escape room with the entire grade and some of our teachers, and it was a lot of fun. It felt like a great way to end the year. The school also often participated in projects with outside organizations, such as the JR Inside Out project, which allowed us to work with other individuals and broadened our understanding of the community.
Q: How would you describe the FAA community to someone who has never been there?
I would describe the FAA community as very open and supportive. The faculty is always there to help students when they need it. When I transitioned from an American public school that taught only in English to a bilingual French-American school, it was a big adjustment for me. However, the school provided the support I needed to adapt, which made the transition much smoother.
Q: How did being part of a bilingual school community influence the way you learn or see the world?
It helped me become more adaptable to change and more open to different perspectives and experiences. Learning in two languages encouraged me to think in different ways and better understand people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Q: What is one thing you learned at the FAA that you still use today?
I learned how to be independent and manage my time effectively. The school made sure students developed important skills that would be useful in the future, such as staying organized, meeting deadlines, and reaching out for help when needed. These skills continue to help me in my life today.
Q: What do you enjoy doing most outside of class?
I enjoy discovering new things, especially learning about new cultures and languages. Traveling and exploring different countries has helped strengthen my curiosity and my interest in understanding how people live around the world.
Q: What are you planning to study in college?
I am planning to attend IESEG School of Management, where I hope to earn a bachelor’s degree in International Business. My international background and experiences at the FAA have inspired me to pursue a field that connects cultures, languages, and global perspectives.
