Kamron
Introduction
I was born in Detroit, Michigan as were most of my family members, and English was all I ever really knew. My great grandfather and other family members were born in Pakistan and entered into the US well before I was born. Some are still currently there and some eventually moved to Bangladesh. Although, unfortunately I was never taught the language(s) of my grandfather's homeland, I did grow up eating foods from Pakistani culture, and am interested in hopefully one day beginning to learn the language(s).
With knowing English all of my life I naturally picked up African American Vernacular English (AAVE) as a Black girl surrounded by Black family members. Sometimes people view AAVE as bad English, slang, or inappropriate so many were taught to “code switch” when in professional settings especially. In reality, it is a part of a rich history rooted in African American experiences in the US.
One day, after moving to Illinois I decided to take a French class in middle school as I wanted to try something different than the common choice of Spanish. Also, I realized French was not offered in most Detroit Public Schools at the time I attended and would be something completely out of the box.
After some time, I truly fell in love with the language/culture and realized it connects to my hometown in many ways including the word "Detroit" and its French translation meaning “straight." I continued it in high school and then when I transferred to UIC my sophomore year I decided to minor in French & Francophone Studies. I am more than happy with that decision as I believe it will be beneficial for my professional career.
I want to be in some sort of the law (attorney) so partnering with French-speaking countries could be an option in international law along with many other fields in the legal realm. Career aside, I enjoy the differences of American culture and European/African culture, including fashion, cuisine, customs, etc., so visiting Francophone countries is on my list as a lover of traveling. I had a French graduate teacher my Junior year whom I believe is from Haiti, I would love to be able to visit there and of course northern/southern parts of France. I love how much French and studying its culture can connect to many other interests in my life including my major of Criminology. For example, in my final semester at UIC I am taking a “French Crime & Gangsters in Movies” course and my favorite watch so far is Plein Soleil or Purple Noon.