Meet our Alumni: Zoe Turner

Zoe Turner

Class of 2009

We are very pleased to launch the alumni portraits section of our blog with accomplished alumna Zoe Turner. Zoe is currently a sophomore at Bournemouth University in England, pursuing a career in journalism. She hopes to intern at France 24, a 24-hour international news and current affairs television network, in Paris during the upcoming summer. This internship is one of many opportunities for which she credits the bilingual education she received at FISW:

“Without the skills I learned in FISW, be it learning a language or organizing my thoughts to reach a goal, I would have had to work significantly harder to accomplish my dream. I can’t thank FISW enough for the opportunities it opened up for me.”

What is the impact for you of being bilingual?

Being bilingual has not only helped me communicate with my own family, but has also been a significant factor in getting into university. I have been able to take part in projects and reports that I otherwise would not have been able to had I not been bilingual.

What were the most memorable aspects of your education at FISW?

The majority of my education was language-based, and we were taught how to write essays and creative writing skills early on. This was a great help, as I still use those skills today in my studies.

How did FISW prepare you for Middle School, High School, and life in general?

As I was already bilingual by the time I entered middle school, I was able to enter more advanced classes, focusing more on literature, current events in France, and French culture. With the knowledge of language I already had, I was also able to take up Spanish and receive an advanced placement certification in both languages.

What is your fondest memory at FISW?

My fondest memory would have to be the yearly Mardi Gras parade when I was little. I loved getting dressed up with my friends and celebrating.

How do you remember your teachers?

My teachers were always supportive and kind. I was a fairly shy child, often with my head in the clouds, but my teachers helped me to focus and strive for success.

What did you do after you left FISW?

I continued in a French bilingual program in both middle school and high school. I fell in love with writing, in French and English, and decided to follow a career in journalism. I am currently studying journalism at Bournemouth University in England, and I may have a chance to intern at France 24 over the summer.

Was FISW instrumental in helping you pursue your dreams?

Without the skills I learned at FISW, be it learning a language or organizing my thoughts to reach a goal, I would have had to work significantly harder to accomplish my dream. I can’t thank FISW enough for the opportunities it opened up for me.