Sumner Wallace ’24 awarded Teaching Assistant Program in France fellowship

How does pursuing the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) align with your post-college life and career goals? 
I had an incredible experience studying in France with Associate Professor of French Grace An’s “Discovering Champagne” class a couple years back. The immersion boosted my speaking skills in a way that a class in the U.S. couldn’t. Since then, I’ve been eager to go back to France and develop my language skills further, while simultaneously helping French students develop theirs. 

I believe being able to successfully communicate with others is one of the most fulfilling things we can do as humans. I’ve found this to be true in the writing and speaking centers while abroad and when working on creative projects. My individual major (in Rhetoric and Media Studies) was all about how we make and share meaning, specifically in film and media, and I’m excited to continue my work in this area with TAPIF!

What specifically will you be doing in France and what are you looking forward to the most?

Through TAPIF, I will be working with secondary students (ages 11-18) on their English speaking skills. I serve as a resource for students while they work on conversation, as well as an assistant in planning and delivering lessons for the head teacher. I’m most looking forward to integrating into my community and forming new relationships—and eating lots of cheese! 

How did Oberlin shape or influence you to pursue the TAPIF?

When I was in Paris for Grace An’s class, I met a woman who had gone to Toulouse, France on Fulbright. She highly encouraged me to apply, and after learning so much in Grace’s class, I knew it was for me. I initially applied for a Fulbright to Switzerland last year, but I ended as a semi-finalist. This year, Danielle Abdon really encouraged me to go after Fulbright/TAPIF again, and it paid off!

What’s the best advice you’ve received from your Oberlin faculty mentors?

I’ve learned something from what they haven’t said to me. My most influential mentors— Cortney Smith, Grace An, and Geoff Pingree—never said to me, “No, I don’t think you’ll be able to do that.” They’ve cautioned me that things I want to achieve will take work, or won’t be easy, but they’ve always believed in me and encouraged me… I have learned that determination means something, and good people will help you when they see you have it.

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