Lorry Guastalla
Class: 2019
Graduated with a French major in 2019.
After graduation, I decided to deepen my love of education and community outreach and pursue a Master's degree in Library and Information Science at San Jose State University where I hope to specialize in Archives and Preservation in order to gain a position in either an academic, artistic, or governmental environment. I suppose my desire to preserve past and present materials was inspired from the historical knowledge I gained by participating in the French program at Sonoma State University. Additionally, my academic experience at SSU has only enhanced my relationship with the French culture and language. Before entering the program, I had spent my twenties exploring the world, even living in France, and then marrying a French man but despite my conquests, I was still entering uncharted territory with my return to traditional education as a first generation and unconventional student. Therefore, it was a true personal accomplishment to successfully graduate such a challenging program which has consequently propelled me towards a deeply rewarding and unimaginable direction. Furthermore, I believe my undergraduate years assisted me in establishing the foundations (formed by both the coursework and the supportive faculty) needed to move about the professional world more freely, confident that I am fully capable of deciphering any foreign language, be it linguistic or otherwise.