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At Robinson, the MacDill Air Force base is close by, inviting Lucie Jassey. She’s not just any new student, though – she’s part of a mix of students who’s roots aren’t laid down in America. From baguettes to football, Jassey brings her culture to Robinson.
Jassey arrived from Paris in July of 2023, just in time for her sophomore year. She came with her family after her father, a member of the military, was relocated to Tampa where they will be staying for the next two years.
After such a big move, Jassey was bound to feel nervous, but the transition to Robinson has been very smooth. She was impressed with the resources that Robinson offers to their military students and families, especially the “Student to Student” Organization.
Despite the smooth transition, Jassey did face some challenges. She found the language barrier the most daunting, but has been able to overcome it due to her preparation in French school. She has been learning English since the age of six and is able to ask her teachers any clarifying questions if necessary.
Moving 4,562 miles has been a massive shift that takes some time to adjust to. One of Jassey’s favorite changes is the difference in weather.
“[The move] has been really good,” Jassey said. “I love the weather, it’s a lot warmer than France.”
However, the differences are not restricted to the weather. Jassey has also found countless differences between Robinson and her former school in Paris. She finds that school in America has much more relaxed rules along with a stronger sense of community.
“[Robinson] is way less strict than school in France,” Jassey remarked. “There is more communication between teachers and students.”
Another major difference that Jassey noticed is the difference in fashion and dress code. While at Robinson it’s not out of the ordinary to show up in a t-shirt, pajama pants and Crocs, this would not be acceptable at Jassey’s former school. In France, it is expected that students are well dressed and many have to wear uniforms.
Although Jassey has loved her time in Tampa, it’s only natural for her to feel a little homesick and the thing she misses the most is French food, her favorite being “raclette.” “Raclette” is a traditional dish that consists of cheese melted over a baked potato filled with toppings such as ham. Jassey would usually enjoy this meal on a cold day to warm her up and brighten her mood.
Even though Jassey will be heading home to France in two years, she is considering coming back to the US for college.
“Maybe I would like to [come to university in America] because my school in France also [does] American graduation, so I will have two [diplomas]: a French one and an American one,” Jassey said.
