My Favorite Professor

Without question, Professor Kenneth Lloyd-Jones changed the trajectory of my life. I was a French major, and he was my adviser and also the chairman of the Department of Modern Languages. I did my junior spring abroad in Paris, which really opened my eyes to a whole other world, and when I came back to campus that fall, I couldn’t get it out of my head. By the time spring came, many of my friends had jobs or were actively looking, and I couldn’t stop feeling this pull toward Paris and how I really needed to go back. I remember talking to Professor Lloyd-Jones about my quandary of what to do, fully expecting him to give me sensible advice like, “Paris will always be there; go get a job.” But to my surprise, he told me, “You should go—it’s the only time in your life you’ll be able to do this without other responsibilities, and it will be an amazing experience.” I ended up going for six months shortly after graduating, and it was all that he said and more. That time in Paris truly changed my life in many ways and inspired a lifelong love of travel, all things French, and the importance of grabbing an opportunity without hesitating! I always think of him fondly, and so appreciate this guidance he offered me.