Most European students study a least two foreign languages during their high school years. Needless to say,  I am a very strong proponent for the study of any foreign language because there is overwhelming amount of research supporting  how the study of a foreign can  help a student do better in all other subjects.

We must be mindful of the sobering realities:  Our children's economic and civic opportunities should not be determined by the color of their skin or wealth of their parents.  We must provide our children with much rigor.   we need to challenge them academically.  I am so very proud of Barack and Michelle Obama not because they are black, but because of what they have accomplished academically.   The Obama's in my opinion represents the very best of what America is all about.  The land of opportunity.   I for one, am a living example of what it means to take rigor to the next level.  I came to this country when  I was ten years old, learned English in six months, went to college  and by the time I graduated I was fluent in four languages. 

AMERICA, I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!!, you have given me so much.  Twenty four years ago I made a decision to give back to America by  becoming a teacher.  I have dedicated my life to teaching American youths the joy of expanding one's horizons through the study of French and Spanish.  I have  taken my students on many trips to France and  Spain so they can really experience the language and culture.

We must  continue to provide many opportunities for our children,  we must find a way to  teach our children that hard work is a good thing.  We must never take the easy way out.  Rigor is my favorite word because it exemplify success is around the corner if you are willing to give  it your all. 

In March, of 2009 I published my first children's picture book  written in French/Spanish/English just so I can share the joy  of learning a different  language beyond the realm of my classroom.  The book  can easily be enjoyed by  children and adults.  since the script is side by side in all three languages   thus it is very easy to compare meaning and also recognize cognates.  I felt compelled to write this book because I really wanted to  make it available for adults and children the world over to have easy access to expanding their horizons.

America, you are one of a kind! Let's make this century the very best ever by  making major strides to become fluent in at least one foreign language.  Our children's future depends on it and lastly, our children will benefit greatly.  They will have the tools to compete in this ever changing and challenging global world.