Resuming my studies has truly been a crowning achievement for me. If you had told me a few years ago that I would return to university, I wouldn't have believed it. I, who lacked so much self-confidence and thought I wasn't good enough, saw myself as unworthy of success. Indeed, a lack of self-confidence is devastating.
About 5 years ago, I went through an extremely difficult period, marked by a severe burn-out and repeated tetany attacks, fluctuating between 3 and 10 episodes per week for nearly 3 months. This fall seemed to me like a descent into hell. I wanted to disappear so much the pain was unbearable. Everything abandoned me: my body, my mind. I was just a shadow of myself. From there, I lost everything: my job, my savings, friends. But I fought, refusing to end like this.
In those moments of intense questioning, I remembered an old passion for English, awakened by my BEP teacher, Mrs. Rivière. She had advised me to go to England to immerse myself in the language. I followed her advice, and at 19, I found myself alone in England, then in the United States in 2008-2009, discovering new cultures, a new way of life. However, upon my return, the loss of my grandmother and various circumstances led me away from my path, until that burn-out which, in retrospect, was a blessing in disguise. It allowed me to rebuild myself.
Long fascinated by China and South Korea, the idea of expatriation became clear to me. Talking with a Korean friend about 5 years ago, the idea of teaching French there took root in my mind. Despite my level of French and my atypical academic background, a BEP in Fashion, no BAC, and an equivalent of 2 years of higher education in Business Management, I decided to resume my studies. Thus, I started a University Diploma in FLE (French as a Foreign Language) in 2021-2022, followed by a bachelor's degree, and a Master's 1 in 2022-2023, and now, I am in Master 2. And above all, I am in the process of applying for a PhD and searching for a research field in Korea under joint supervision.
This journey has taught me that with willpower, one can transform their life. Since resuming my studies, I have worked as a FLE teacher and created my company, "Parle Français Avec Gwen," formerly "La minute FRENCH." I have invested a lot of time and energy, sometimes up to 70 hours a week, to get closer to my goal of expatriation and passionate profession, while saving for this costly project.
My story is a testament that beyond luck, it's hard work, perseverance, and unwavering motivation that shape our destiny. Returning to studies, especially remotely, requires rigorous discipline and unshakeable determination, but it is also a path to freedom and self-realization. If you wish to change your life, the key is to believe in yourself, listen to yourself, and take your destiny into your own hands. Do not let anyone tell you what is possible or not. Your journey is unique, and your will can lead you where you wish to go.
To all those who dream of change, know that the time to embark is now. Your motivation will be your best guide, and each step forward is a step towards the realization of your dreams. Let your passion guide you and never forget that perseverance is the engine of success.
Gwenaëlle Wattrelos