Many recent graduates are struggling to find employment, but Hanna Gordon is not like most college graduates.
This fall, Gordon, who graduated in December with a French major and a minor in sustainability, will work for seven months in Besancon, France teaching English to French students.
Gordon was a recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship, a program sponsored by the U.S. government to increase international education and understanding.
"I was recommended to the French government by the Fulbright Program," Gordon said.
Gordon was accepted as the French teaching assistant and was placed with middle and high school students by the French government.
Gordon's love for French began when she was in high school.
"I took high school French for four years, and my French teacher was really influential and ... inspiring," Gordon said. "It was one of my favorite classes, so I decided to major in it (in college)."
Since then, Gordon has traveled across Europe.
During the summer after her freshman year, Gordon took a four-week trip to Europe, visiting Scotland, Italy, England and France.
A year later, Gordon spent all of July in Paris. She was there for Bastille Day, Tour de' France and the World Cup.
"It was one of my favorite experiences," Gordon said.
Though she will be teaching, Gordon will still be able to travel.
"I get five weeks of paid vacation," Gordon said.
During that time, she will try to visit as many places as possible.
"I want to go to Pragu, Spain, Ireland and Switzerland," Gordon said.
Gordon will also be going to culinary school while she teaches in France.
"My future goal is to have my own bakery someday with French culture influence with local food, because my minor is sustainability," Gordon said.
With her interests in food and sustainability, Besancon, France is the perfect place for Gordon to be.
"Where I'm going to be they are known for their jura mountain wines, their cheese and their hazelnuts," Gordon said.
Gordon appreciates the help she has received along the way.
"I really want to thank Madame Sammie Spencer (professor of French in the Department of Foreign Languages)," Gordon said. "She was really influential in me applying for this, and Dr. Harris for doing Fulbright with me."
Gordon should arrive in France in September and school begins October 1.
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