I am Nayelly Dominguez, an eighteen year-old from Fort Worth, Texas. I have recently graduated from Fort Worth Country Day and will attend Salem College. I have been selected as the Chris Meyer Memorial Scholarship recipient for the 2011 St. Laurent-du-Var homestay.
My reasons for participating in this program are that I wish to exercise my French skills and improve my proficiency level. I want to explore French life at its entirety as I authentically immerse myself in its culture and language through first-hand experience. I want to put my skills to work and not just explore French life, but also become a part of it. Studying abroad in France will help solidify my French knowledge, both culturally and linguistically as I will have the opportunity to live my life as the French do on a regular daily basis. As I prepare for college, I will also have the opportunity to become more mature and independent as I grow as a person. Furthermore, because I plan to pursue French and a career in the international arena, a study abroad experience in France will prepare me for those future endeavors, mentally and culturally. I also really like the European culture and want to explore as much of it as possible. Through my completion of the program, I hope to improve my French, both spoken and written, while I grow more independent and mature. Likewise, I hope to gain a more open world view and become more culturally well-rounded. I also hope to develop many lifelong friendships I can carry wherever I go.
I would summarize my Chris Meyer memorial qualifications and the reasons that motivated me to apply for the scholarship in that despite any challenges I may face, I have a passion for learning, a desire for experience, and a dedication to embracing the world’s diversity that constantly drive me to achieve my goals. Whether it be taking French for the first time ever with a class full of people who are familiar with the language, going to a school completely unfamiliar to me, or applying to a scholarship program to study abroad despite the chances being slim of actually receiving the scholarship, I have not let obstacles stand in my way of learning and instead have let my will, determination, and effort drive me to success. I believe that one must enjoy all that life has to offer and seize every opportunity given and explore the many wonders of the world.
