Joanna Oakley

Joanna Oakley

Class of 2009
Salisbury, N.H.

Major: Elementary Education

Favorite weekend activity: Making jewelry, hiking, skiing

Career Plans: Teaching in an elementary school

"I participated in a four-day exchange program as part of my French II class. I really enjoyed getting to know my host family and the local students . . ."

In March 2006 I participated in a four-day exchange program as part of my French II class. About 10 JSC students visited Terrebonne, a small suburb of Montreal, to stay with host families and attend a local school. I really enjoyed getting to know my host family and the local students, as well as immersing myself in French-Canadian language and culture.

Although it was a short trip, my JSC classmates and I improved our comprehension and pronunciation of French exponentially. Having solid French skills is important to me, because it will improve my marketability as an elementary school teacher. I think JSC does a great job preparing students for teaching careers, and this is just one more way I will have a competitive edge.