By Nelly Musajeva
We are a group of students who have been studying French at DU for the last two years. Though small in number, we have come to understand something that reaches far beyond our classroom and beyond any single language: that learning a language is one of the most transformative things a person can do. Our experiences have influenced how we connect with others, enter new environments, and understand the world around us. We write this letter not only to share what this program has meant for us, but to make the case that it must continue for every student that comes after.
More Than a Checkbox on a Transcript
After a few semesters of French, we realized language learning is not simply an academic requirement. It is a gateway to culture, connection, and self-discovery. The immersive environment of our small classes made this possible in ways a large lecture hall never could.
“Being in small classes has been invaluable to my learning, as it gave me a chance to really immerse myself in the language — not just passively absorb it, but actively write, read, and speak French in a meaningful way.” — Nelly
That immersion opened doors well beyond the classroom. We found ourselves exploring art, music, film, and fashion from across the French-speaking world.
“Throughout my two years of learning the language, I discovered music, shows, movies, fashion, art, and more, which have been a great help in expanding my knowledge of not just the language, but also the culture.” — Alma
Perhaps most importantly, language learning reshaped how we understand communication itself, as well as our responsibility to one another.
“Being able to give someone a sense of comfort by bridging their language gap allows them to express themselves in a more complex way. This makes learning even at the college level important, as this is the age you start to meet people from countless walks of life.” — Dristian
None of this would have been possible without exceptional instruction. Our professor, Madame Fuleihan, brings patience, encouragement, and compassion to every class, framing mistakes not as failures but as essential learning steps in our journey.
Skills That Will Take You Far
The benefits of language learning extend well beyond fluency. Working through the challenges of a new language builds resilience, sharpens thinking across disciplines, and fundamentally changes how we approach difficulty.
“There are times when I find myself frustrated with communication, but I try to remind myself how much more advanced my language skills are than they were a year ago. Instead of perceiving French as a threat, I now use it as a tool. When I find reading difficult, I see it as a challenge, not an obstacle.” — Veronica
“Learning French helped me step out of my comfort zone. Fear of failure is no longer something I constantly think about, because without failure there is no learning.” — Alma
“Learning a new language has also helped me understand my other academic subjects, because I am able to focus on the meaning behind a topic rather than just memorizing it. This helps improve my knowledge and study habits across the board.” — Zoey
A Call to Keep Language Programs Alive
Our experiences have made us acutely aware of a broader problem: language education in the United States is too often treated as optional, underfunded, or expendable. We strongly believe that this must change.
“There are countless languages spoken in the United States, so only teaching English in depth is a huge misstep. Of course, grade schools do offer elective foreign-language courses, but they are often not scrutinized or mandatory, leaving behind an opportunity to learn young.” — Dristian
“If languages were taught like core subjects, people might gain more confidence speaking a different language, and it could improve our communication skills overall.” — Zoey
We believe access to language learning is not a privilege – it is a right.
“Language learning should not be a luxury reserved for those lucky enough to attend schools that prioritize it. It should be a right extended to every student across the world. When we learn to speak someone else’s language, we are really learning to see the world through their eyes.” — Nelly
We are only a small group of students. But we speak from genuine experience when we say: language programs matter. They shape how we think, how we connect, and how we move through the world. We urge decision-makers, including our administration at Dominican University, to protect, fund, and expand language education, so that every student has the chance to discover what we have.
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