Meanwhile With Madeleine…

By Madeleine Fuselier

 

It’s Thursday morning in Orange, Texas and I’ve woken early to finish packing my bags. I’m overcome with the familiar “I think I’m forgetting something” feeling that comes with leaving home, but after spending a while pacing my room in search of that ambiguous item my gut is telling me I need, I decide that surely I have everything (I don’t). I zip up my bags, load the car, and head for the airport. A few hours later I’m looking out the window as the plane lurches into motion and then gently lifts from the runway. I lean back in my seat and all at once it hits me – I’m moving to Paris.

Hi there! I am a life-long Orangeite who just graduated from high school. I will be spending this year in France teaching English, improving my French, and exploring France (and some of its neighboring countries) before heading to college next fall. I fell in love with Paris the first time I visited back in 2006. If someone had told me back then that I would be living here now, I don’t think I would have believed them. This is truly a dream come true.

The past few days have been busy to say the least. From moving into my apartment, starting my new job, and taking care of the various chores that moving to a new county entails, they have passed by in a beautiful blur. Leaving Orange and all of my friends and family has been hard, but I am so excited for the year ahead. While I know living here will be a challenge, I am already convinced that this is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I will be keeping you updated on my experiences through regular articles right here in The Orange Leader, so be sure to check back in to see what’s going on “Meanwhile With Madeleine.” I can’t wait to share my adventures with you!