Education can open doors. There is nothing more important in my opinion than education. There are other people, cultures, worlds and adventures that lie in a strong, well-rounded education. The core subjects of math, language arts, history and science are the foundational classes that most students take. I believe that there is more to education than the core subjects. One of the most important subjects for students to explore is a foreign language.
             Today, the world is becoming increasingly more global. Continents are connected through technology and people need to be connected through communication. The basis of communication is language. Learning a second language allows one to communicate with a larger number of people and facilitates a more globally aware society. Learning a second language can allow students to discover a new culture and understand different types of people. It is important for children to learn that there are many different kinds of people in the world, all of which have unique cultures, ideas and traditions. 
            Language learning in the classroom extends beyond the grammar rules and vocabulary of a specific language. It opens up a new culture. Students are immersed in another culture. They are able to travel to places far away without ever leaving the classroom. In order to communicate the essence of a language it is imperative to deeply study and examine the culture behind it. Hopefully, through studying another language students will be more tolerant of others that are different. I believe that awareness and education can diminish prejudice. In addition, learning a second language can inspire students to travel and see other parts of the world.
            There are many methods to teach foreign languages, however I believe that immersion is the most effective and intense way to learn another language. Through eliminating as much of the native language from the classroom as possible, students will be completely surrounded by the second language. The students need as much exposure to the second language as possible. It is important to create an environment that is safe and comfortable for the students so that they feel comfortable trying to speak the second language.
            The language that I am most passionate about is French. I am confident that there are many reasons to study French. French is one of the diplomatic languages of the world and has a rich history. Its roots in the romance languages lend it to beauty and a poetic nature. There is a large community that speaks French that extends beyond France. Through teaching French, I hope to educate my students on the many places that speak French. In addition, there are many negative stereotypes that surround France, and the French. I hope to give my students an alternate perspective that will help to diminish their negative stereotypes.
            Learning a second language is the most powerful thing a teacher can give her students. It allows students to communicate with a whole other world of people. It opens doors to traveling, business and new cultures. Through education, students are able to confront their stereotypes and prejudices, and reduce their negative opinions of other people. Learning another language is incredibly valuable in the global world that we all live in. I am proud to be a foreign language teacher because I am empowering my students to communicate with other people and encouraging them to be tolerant of other cultures.