On the evening of 12 November (despite the inclement weather!), a bunch of French finalists gathered with staff and esteemed guests to spend an evening reminiscing about their years abroad in the charming function room of The Philharmonic Dining Rooms.
Benefactors for French
The evening was hosted by David and Jane, the sponsors of two Master’s bursaries here at the University of Liverpool. The pair have a close relation to the University, not least because their daughter is an alumna. Upon moving to Liverpool some years ago, they became aware that their home was owned in the 19th century by Sarah Barrow, who endowed the James Barrow Chair of French. So followed David and Jane’s involvement with French in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film.
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Links with the Liverpool Philharmonic
As well as David and Jane, we were addressed by Vanessa Reed, the CEO of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. She entertained us with funny anecdotes of her time abroad in France as a student, and spoke of the importance of the experience as a stepping stone throughout her career. What really resonated with us was Vanessa’s message of confidence and drive “to put oneself out there”. Whether it’s finding flatmates in the post office, making connections in a new place, or daring to speak your first sentence in a foreign language, it is clear that the skills we have acquired during our years abroad will be hugely impactful throughout the rest of our lives.
Informal networking
It was also very special to spend some time getting to know the staff outside of the seminar room. We exchanged our experiences of being jeunes filles au pair, English teachers, and students. We even shared some laughs about our adverse encounters with French cuisine… (with the exception of wine and cheese, bien sûr).
All in all, an evening (and buffet) to be remembered, and hopefully to be repeated in the future! After an official end of 6.30pm, the last guests left the event at 10:30... Huge thanks to our hosts David and Jane, and to Ian Magedera for organising.
Books recommended by Vanessa, Jane and David:
Miranda France, Bad Times in Buenos Aires
Malcolm Gladwell, Talking to Strangers
Gloria Steinem, My Life on the Road