A group from the 1997-98 Junior Year in France reunites in March at Ladurée.(Front from left) Liz Buscaglia '99,Sue Glah '99, Christy Tobin Krol '99, Professor and Program Director Martine Guyot-Bender, Martha Rundles '99 and Liz Brecht '99.(Back) Lauren Wright '99 and Emily Dowd of Colby College.
Christina Tobin Krol '99: We were on a journey of a lifetime
It was like living a dream. Looking back, I wish I had ten years abroad as a student. My junior year in Paris was the most rewarding and challenging year of my life. It was the icing on the cake of my Hamilton experience.
As a (European) history major, I knew that it was essential to live in Europe, speak the language and fully immerse myself in the culture. As any Parisian would tell you, there's no better place to do this than Paris, in the heart of it all. Each day was an adventure, from living with a host family to exploring classes, theater, museums and neighborhoods. Also, I could decide on a Thursday night if I wanted to spend the weekend in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, etc., and all were just hours away, waiting to be discovered. I was essentially living an unending history lesson.
Much of my learning experience abroad centered on the French culture, and this was a lesson that my classmates and I eagerly embraced. Our group excursions, led by the indefatigable and exceptional Martine Guyot-Bender, were consistently entertaining and educational. And importantly, we always found a way to get more bread, wine and cheese! From the wineries to the Loire Valley, Normandy, Biarritz and beyond, we were on a journey of a lifetime.
I gained a greater appreciation of the world beyond Hamilton and the United States by living in Paris. In leaving the comforts of home and my native culture behind, I was forced to re-examine the United States from a different perspective, and this was a critical lesson. While there and while traveling, all of my conversations were eye-opening in regard to neighboring countries, their politics, cultures, religions and economies. These experiences enriched the educational foundation built at Hamilton.
Now Paris is like an old friend who is always there for me with an open door, and with plenty more to discover. I also gained lifelong friends and a family during my year abroad. And as I'm sure all HCJYF alums would agree, we learned a lot from the French and we try to incorporate the experience into our daily lives even now. When life gets crazy, it's important to enjoy fine wine, a long meal with friends and family, and to engage in stimulating discussion. Each day is a gift we should celebrate.
On a separate note, I have to express how grateful I am for the anniversary weekend in Paris, March 16-17. We celebrated, reconnected with old friends and met new ones, and it was done in true Hamilton fashion. It was a spectacular weekend. From the cocktail party at Reid Hall, to seeing old professors, touring Paris with our classmates again, and the highlight — dinner at the famous Ladurée — we were spoiled yet again.
