French enthusiasts gathered in the Portland State Park Blocks for the first meeting of the campus’ new French club on Oct. 14.
In August, PSU French Club President Madeline Reese, along with Co-Vice Presidents Briane Houde and Emily Wheeler, decided to start the club.
The officers had hoped to start the club sooner, but they missed the Student Activities and Leadership Program’s deadline for the 2010–11 clubs because Houde and Wheeler were studying abroad in France.
Currently, the club is considered a “forming club,” and is therefore not funded by SALP.
“I studied abroad for five months and I was very happy with the progress I made in French, but I’m afraid of losing it, being back in the States,” Wheeler said.
At the first meeting, French-themed buttons and stickers were passed around, introductions were made and free pizza, soda and cookies eaten. Visitors also played board games.
Attendees included students with varying majors and French speaking skills. Part-time PSU student Hanna Perteril, for instance, is fluent in the language.
Petertil’s first visit to France was at age seven. She took her first French class in seventh grade and spent her high school years in France. After graduating from Evergreen College, she returned to the country to intern at a patisserie.
“French isn’t the club’s ‘official language,'” Wheeler said in her opening speech. “If you don’t feel comfortable speaking French, that’s ok. This is to network and meet others who like French, too. If you do feel comfortable speaking only in French, awesome. Just go at your own pace.”
Thoughts were thrown around at the meeting, including the idea of a French discussion group to meet outside of the club meetings. Houde suggested fundraising events such as a bake sale, as well as French club functions like French movie showings, potlucks, picnics and Christmas caroling “en français.”
“It’s easier to practice speaking French with other people than by yourself,” said PSU student Stephen Priest.
For more information on the next meeting, e-mail the PSU French club at francais@pdx.edu, or visit the club page on Facebook. ?