Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/609675
saw enormous potential for positive development. Though an English-speaking nation, Sierra Leone is surrounded by French-speaking countries, which allowed Ms. Pal to fully use her bilingualism with citizens from many nations. There, she also discovered a place where she felt free. "There was no grocery store with 30 different types of cereal in the breakfast aisle. It was a beautiful country and people lived simply. And they seemed happy and energetic," she recalls. Her two years spent in the West African country also changed her views of the country of her birth. She says, "I understand the world better now and how fortunate we are in Canada; look at the quality of our education and healthcare, and the standard and extent of our infrastructure. We are so lucky." "Knowing French changed the way I view the world because I can see it with a different consciousness," says Dr. Dorn, adding, "I can think in different voices. I am better able to reach out culturally and when teaching." For Ms. Frischkorn, that insight comes from learning about law: "Not only am I learning in different ways and languages, but also about the two legal systems – civil and common law – that make up the two dominant legal systems in the world." ULTIMATELY, language and cultural acquisition add layers of meaning to a person's life, bringing with them knowledge, and life-defining experiences. "It gives me a deeper exposure to everything. Being bilingual provides me with more insight. I can compare alternative ways of thinking or looking at things," says Ms. Frischkorn. "I think it's important to avoid asking questions such as 'what is learning French going to do for me? What's the return on investment?'" concludes Ms. Pal. "It's an enriched education that follows you through your whole life." (Paris II) in Paris, where she will focus solely on the French legal system and French laws. Upon completion of her four-year degree, she will be able to practise law in the UK and will receive a certificate in French law, or, depending on course selection, a French licence. The licence designation would allow her to continue her studies for an additional year and also practise law in France. FOR DR. DORN, that access has taken the form of being able to navigate through inter-governmental organizations whose two working languages are French and English, including the UN. The UN representative for the non-governmental organization Science for Peace, Dr. Dorn addressed the UN General Assembly at its Third UN Special Session on Disarmament in 1988. In 2010, he was the visiting professional in the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court at The Hague. He was also the program coordinator for Parliamentarians for Global Action, participating in the negotiation, ratification and implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. While in that role, Dr. Dorn addressed parliamentary bodies on several continents, organized a parliamentary symposium at the French parliament, and drafted a declaration that was signed by more than a thousand parliamentarians at the Maison de l'UNESCO in Paris. And last year, Dr. Dorn was a member of a UN mission to the French-speaking nation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. THE EXPERIENCES in which these three alumni have been able to take part have afforded them a wider lens through which to see the world. Very naturally, these experiences have led to personal discoveries, some of which have altered or expanded their perceptions of life on our planet. A few years ago, Ms. Pal had the opportunity to join a firm making private equity investments in Sierra Leone. As a well-travelled child, she had long been drawn to the African continent, and Being bilingual provides me with more insight. I can compare alternative ways of thinking or looking at things." — Stephanie Frischkorn Knowing French changed the way I view the world because I can see it with a different consciousness." — Walter Dorn 27 TFS ENTRE NOUS 2015