I have a little story to tell. A long, long time ago in a land faraway (I’m writing this in Nice, France), I had an unrealized opportunity. It was 46 years or so ago when I was a junior in college.
The chair of the French department asked me if I wanted to study abroad for a semester in Nice. There was going to be a group going for the spring semester. He thought it would be a great opportunity for me as I showed great potential in the study of French. I was one of his top students. There would be a small high performing group going for the spring semester. He thought it would be a great opportunity for me.
I was beyond excited. After classes, I drove home to tell my parents. I was living at home during college; I was a commuter student. I was not quite ready to move away from home. Looking back, it is one of my very few regrets. I made the move out of my parent’s house when I started grad school a few years later. Better late than never!
Neither of my parents or grandparents went to college. I was the first in my family to do so. My mother was excited for me. She thought it would be a wonderful experience. My dad, on the hand, didn’t see it the same way.
My dad was practical and skeptical. He couldn’t understand the short or long term value of studying abroad. He asked how it would be paid for? He asked how living in Nice will help me get a job when I graduate? He asked how learning French would be helpful in NY? All practical questions. I tried my best to explain all the advantages. and no matter how I explained it, he couldn’t understand. He said I should continue working while at school locally; as I had been doing.
I was crushed. I didn’t even allow myself the chance to research how it would be paid for. I could work while living in Nice? Were there additional scholarships available to me? I was already receiving scholarships from multiple sources; and this would be extra financial support.
I ended up being a few credits shy of receiving a minor in French. I started studying the language in 10th grade. Something about France and all things French were calling me. Ever since then, I have loved all things French. This includes the language, the food, the art, the architecture, and the culture.
So I have carried this dream of going to Nice for over 45 years. And now, right this minute I am writing this in my short term apartment right on the Promenade des Anglais. Nice is more glorious than I imagined. The light from sunrise to sunset is spectacular. The Mediterranean Sea is filled with meditative shades of blue. The food is delicious and the art is divine.
Dreams never expire. If you have a dream unfilled, you don’t need to let it go. Keep chasing your dreams. A dream deferred is only sweeter when you finally have the opportunity to realize it. I did. After 46 years, I arrived at the Nice train station from Lyon; with tears of joy and foregiveness. Dad, I now. forgive you.
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