French club makes a difference in student's lives
By Brent WhitingEditor-at-Large, The VOICE
Parlez-vous français? Do you speak French?
The answer is a definite "oui," or yes, for students who belong to the French club, one of more than three dozen extracurricular campus groups that enrich life and learning at Glendale Community College.
Photo by Brent Whiting/The VOICE
(Left to right) Cherish Placenio, Mauricette May the French teacher, Patricia Lee are involved with the French Club on GCC campus.
The French club, formally known as "Le Coin Français," or French Corner, is led by Mauricette May, a native Frenchwoman and the only French teacher at GCC.
May, 64, an energetic instructor who is known to her students as Madame May, devotes herself through club activities in promoting the French language and culture. And she is probably about as close to France as some students will ever get.
"Madame May really cares for each and every one of her students," said Kathy Kaiser, 54, a French pupil and club member. "She'll do whatever she can to help them succeed. And she does it with such kindness and compassion."
Another student, Leslie Hilleary, 20, the president of Le Coin Français, agreed, saying, "She's just a nice lady. She's really helpful."
Jim Reed, chairman of the Foreign Language and Communication Studies Department, said May, a language instructor at GCC since 1990, has singled-handedly brought the French curriculum to life.
"The students really enjoy their French classes, as well as the French club," Reed said. "We are fortunate to have a native speaker on campus."
Reed also related details about a minor misunderstanding that arose last year because of May's pronounced French accent.
"When she fell and broke her hip, she called to say she was in 'misery,'" Reed said. "We thought she had said 'Missouri.' It turns out she was right on both counts."
May said that because of the hip injury, which took place in Bolivar, a town near Springfield, Mo., she uses a motorized scooter to get around campus. She also said that the accident has affected her in yet another way.
"I try to go back to France once a year to see my family, but that just hasn't been possible because of the hip problem," she said. "I hope to return next year."
May started the French club in 1991, a year after arriving at GCC. Typically, more than a dozen people will show up for the twice-a-month activities.
"It gives them a chance to learn French and participate in activities that are related to French culture, such as food, games and movies," May said. "And it allows them to come together and to get to know each other.
For GCC students not interested in French, there is an array of other clubs and organizations, all of which cater to a variety of subjects, interests and career fields.
For example, there is an Anthropology Club for prospective anthropologists and archaeologists; Associated Student Government, a campus group that promotes intellectual interests and social rights; a Ceramics Club for students with a liking for art; Firefighter's Challenge, a group for would-be firefighters; the Pre-Pharmacy Club; Shotokan Karate Club, a martial arts group; and The Voice, the student newspaper.
Details about the more than three dozen organizations, including advisors and contact information, can be found on the GCC Web site – www.gc.maricopa.edu. Le Coin Français, according to May, allows students, among other things, to have fun activities and improve their skills with the French language.
"I love to work with the students," May said. "And I love to be able to give them things that I know. This is a wonderful place to teach. The people I work with are wonderful. This is just like a second home."
One student, Cherish Placencio, 32, the French club secretary, described May as "adorable," saying, "She is possibly one of the best teachers I've had here."
Another student, Patricia Lee, 51, said it's difficult for her to speak French, but May is doing a terrific job in teaching the language.
May has lived in the United States since 1965 and holds duo U.S. and French citizenship. She and her husband, William, have two children and five grandchildren.
