I’ve always been a seeker—curious about the world and eager to explore beyond the familiar. My journey into the world of travel began with a single decision to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in something completely new. I’m Trina, a passionate traveler, a lover of culture, and someone on a never-ending quest for peace. I believe that the best way to discover the world is by forming genuine connections with the people who call it home, and in every encounter, I’ve sought to foster a sense of peace and love.
My journey took a transformative turn when I first arrived in France as a student traveler, filled with a desire to learn and experience life in a different culture. Over the years, my travels in France, particularly in Chaumont and Strasbourg, have been about more than just discovering new places—they’ve been about discovering myself and finding a deeper sense of peace. The people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had have shaped my path in ways I never could have imagined. But before all of this, my journey started with a simple desire to connect with friends on a distant island.
Why Did I Start Learning French?
My story with French began, perhaps unexpectedly, on the beautiful shores of Tahiti. I visited Tahiti with a sense of wonder, and I quickly fell in love with the place and its people. I wanted more than anything to return and live there, to immerse myself fully in that stunning island life. But as an American, making that dream a reality was challenging. I thought, “Maybe if I learn French, I could connect more deeply with my friends there, and who knows, perhaps even find a way to stay longer.”
In the back of my mind, I entertained the idea that becoming fluent in French—or even obtaining French citizenship—might help me achieve this goal quicker. Eleven years later, I’m not so sure that’s how things work! But back then, this thought was enough to get me started. After my first semester of French, I was ready to reconsider my plan. The language was harder than I’d anticipated, and the path to living in Tahiti seemed distant. But then, I signed up for a homestay trip to France, and everything changed.
Why I Continued Learning French and Deepened My Journey
That trip to France reignited my passion. I realized that learning French wasn’t just about communicating with my friends in Tahiti anymore; it was about connecting with a broader world, a new culture, and a different way of life. The more I learned, the more I felt a pull—not just to speak the language, but to live it. I needed to be able to communicate with more people, to understand them deeply and be understood in return.
After that trip, the dream evolved. I wanted to live in France, to become fluent, and to fully immerse myself in the culture. I set a self-imposed requirement: I needed to reach a certain level of proficiency in French before I could even consider moving. To achieve this, I decided to challenge myself even further. I took a job working for a French pastry chef who spoke almost entirely in French. For two years, 40 hours a week, I was under constant pressure to improve. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I dug deep, and I realized I was good enough.
Why I’ll Never Stop Learning French (Or Other Languages)
Learning French has become more than just a skill or a means to an end. It’s become part of who I am. The language has allowed me to build bridges, not just in conversation but in understanding and empathy. Each interaction, each friendship formed, has been part of a greater journey towards peace—peace with myself and peace with the world around me. My friends in France, from Chaumont to Strasbourg, share this common goal. Together, we’ve learned that peace begins with understanding and love, and these values have become central to my journey.
I’ve achieved more than I ever thought I could, and I handle myself pretty well on my own now, but I know my journey with French—and my quest for peace—is far from over. Every day, I continue to learn, to challenge myself, and to seek new ways to connect with the world around me.
Key Moments and People Who Shaped My Journey
My journey has been marked by incredible people who have shaped my understanding of peace, love, and connection. In Chaumont, my professor didn’t just teach me French; she invited me into her life, taking me to her hometown and transforming me from a student traveler into her trusted assistant. She showed me what it means to truly connect with a community and to have a truly open mind.
Henry, our friend and colleague, was another guiding light. He inspired me to dream big and follow my path, always with a sense of hope and love. Losing him last year was a profound loss, but his encouragement continues to inspire me every day to pursue peace and understanding.
Then there is my host family in Chaumont, who have welcomed me year after year, helping me with my language skills and sharing their culture and customs with me. They’ve become my second family, and losing my host father last year was a loss like no other. His kindness and the family’s support have been vital in my journey, reinforcing my belief in the power of love and community.
In Strasbourg, my roommates turned friends have become some of my biggest supporters. They’ve shown me a living example of following one’s dreams and finding peace in the process. Our friendship has been a source of strength and inspiration, and through them, I’ve found a new sense of belonging and purpose.
How Can You Start Your Own Journey of Self-Discovery Through Travel and Language Learning?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the most profound journeys often start with a single step—a decision to go beyond what is comfortable and known. For those looking to start their own journeys, my advice is simple: immerse yourself fully in the experience. Learn the local language, stay with locals, and engage deeply with the community. Be open to the unexpected, and allow yourself to be vulnerable. It is in these moments of openness that true connections are formed.
Advice for Traveling with Intent and Openness
Travel with intention. Be mindful of the places you visit and the people you meet. Reflect on your experiences—journal, meditate, or simply sit in quiet contemplation. Be open to change and to the lessons that each new experience offers. Remember, it’s not the places themselves that transform us, but the people we meet and the relationships we build. Most importantly, travel with a heart open to peace and love, and you’ll find that these connections will change you in ways you never imagined.
Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the experiences and connections I’ve made in France. The places, and the people in them, have not only enriched my travels but have fundamentally shaped who I am. They have taught me that the true essence of travel lies not in the places we visit but in the people we meet along the way. I hope my experiences inspire others to travel not just to see new places, but to discover new parts of themselves, and in doing so, to find their own peace.
Because in the end, the greatest journey we can take is the one that leads us back to ourselves and to a deeper sense of peace with the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment