The summer after my sophomore year of high school, I had the opportunity to travel to France.  After taking three years of French class, I was elated to try out my language skills.  My trip was a little more unique, though, than a typical school trip.  I actually stayed with a French family in Lyon, and then met back with my classmates a week later in Paris.  At first, I was scared out of my mind.  However, once I got there, I never wanted to leave again.  This picture, now hanging on my dorm room wall, brings back such fond memories.  My host-sister, Ema, who is pictured with me, still remains one of my best friends and inspired my love for French.  She and the Cohen family taught me so much in such a small amount of time, and for that, I am forever grateful.  Not only was I given a first-hand look at how a French family lives, but my French skills also drastically improved, and I gained a friendship for a lifetime.  Now, I am pursuing a French minor at Ohio State, and I hope to return to France and Ema this coming summer.  I am thankful for all France and the Cohens taught me.