So I have now shared with you many of my adventures and experiences, but what does it all mean? That was the question I asked myself on the plane ride back and during my unnecessarily long layover in Iceland. After reflecting a bit, I came up with a few answers.

First: Although I had seen diversity before, I had never really experienced it until living in a large, international city like Paris. The minority population in Paris is actively vibrant and growing. There are many blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and many other ethnicities that can be found. It adds to the richness of the city, and it prepared me to enter the diverse world we live in.

Second: Having a global perspective is an invaluable tool to bring to anything you do. This can be applied to school, work, or any other place. It helps in being more understanding of different cultures and customs, and it makes you aware of different mindsets found around the world.

Third: The only way to truly understand all of the nuances of a foreign language is to be immersed in it. Textbooks can only teach so much, and most of the slang terms are horribly dated. Zut!

Fortunately this trip has brought me to a level of adequate proficiency in not only the French language and culture, but in a global perspective that has broadened my frame of mind. I wish everyone reading this the opportunity to at least experience a new language and culture in a foreign country because it truly does change the way you think. Bonne chance et au revoir!

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