Archived 2008/2009 - A Letter and an Essay
Posted 5.01.09
April 23, 2009
Dear Clara Lisa,
I hope this note finds you and your family well and happy. I've been kept up to speed through the years by my friends at the Lycée, and I'm happy to know that the school is still going strong!
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for providing a wonderful learning experience for my children from the age of three. Piper excelled at your Lycée all the way to 6ème, when we moved to Montreal. Griffin was all set to start first grade as well. They were both able to transition seamlessly into Collège International Marie de France (Le Lycée Français de Montréal) and have made the most of their respective experiences here in Canada. Piper, who will graduate in June, is fluent in four languages: English, French, Spanish, and Italian. An advantage to living here is that the children speak French as much or more than they speak English. You would be proud!
Piper applied to seven universities and was accepted to five. She was thrilled to accept her offer at her first choice: American University in Washington, D.C.
We, as a family, wanted you to know how much we value the education your Lycée gave to the children. Studying in French opened their minds and developed in them an appreciation of not only the French culture, but a greater understanding of the 72 other cultures represented at their school. They're typical American students, but with a much greater respect for and broader awareness of the world they live in.
Sincerely
Melissa Anderson Sloan
P.S. I thought you might like to see one of Piper's college essays, as it's one of her memories from the Lycée.
Piper's Essay
When I was seven years old, I attended my school's Summer Camp, and it was one of the most entertaining summer programs I have ever participated in. Toward the end of the eight-week session, a "Camp Out" was organized, where campers could enjoy a delicious barbecue, swim in the heated pool in the evening, and sleep in tents in the school's backyard. I was looking forward to it for weeks, but I then discovered, to my great disappointment, that I was not old enough to attend. I decided to plead my case to Mr. Morelock, the head of the Summer Camp and my school's Sport's Department. I explained to him that I was a responsible person and wouldn't cause any trouble. I said that I was mature for my age and could get along with the older campers. I told him how much I wanted to be a part of the experience, and how upset I would be if I was not included. Mr. Morelock listened to my speech without interrupting or stopping me. He was kind, very understanding of my predicament, and decided to make an exception for me. At first, I couldn't believe my plan had actually worked. When I realized I would really be attending the Camp Out, I was completely ecstatic. When Mr. Morelock told my mom that I had been to see him and convinced him to bend the rules, she was completely astounded. She is a very shy and reserved person and couldn't believe that I had had the courage to take matters into my own hands and fight for what I really wanted at the mere age of seven. I had a wonderful time and the older campers included me in their activities, making me feel welcome and at ease.
This internal strength and determination has been present in me ever since I was very young. I believe the reason for this is the fact that I have been educated in the French system my whole life, even though both of my parents do not speak the language. Consequently, doing homework and studying for tests, especially when I was very young, was difficult, because my parents could not always help me. I never really perceived this as a disadvantage, but rather an incentive that has driven me my whole life. It has filled me with the motivation and will to succeed, despite the obstacles that present themselves. As a result, I have worked and continue to work very hard, and have learned the importance of persevering, as opposed to giving up. My mom has always told me: "Always do your best. Never take the easy way out." Ever since I was a young child, I have wanted to make my parents proud, but I have also wanted to feel a personal sense of pride, of accomplishment, and success.
We, at Le Lycée, are proud of Piper and Griffin and the whole Sloan family for their dedication to education and excellence. Thanks for sharing this with us!