Dearest Fourth Semester French,

First of all I would like to say bonjour to attest to the fact that I learned at least one thing amongst four semesters with you. I will cherish that greeting and other short French phrases for as long as my short-term memory will allow. I’m extremely sincere when I say, "It’s not you it truly is me." I began in French 1401 so hopeful, actually believing that I would one day be able to speak fluent French. As we have progressed to our fourth semester, I’m starting to feel as if we aren’t on the same page. Maybe I was trying to be something that I am not—maybe I was trying to be something you could dub “A-worthy.” We began on the right track before Baylor’s plus-minus system threw us for a loop. Maybe we could chock it up to bad timing?

Not to say that it was all bad, because there were definitely days where I didn’t stumble over my words, conjugated all my verbs perfectly, and didn’t make my professor say “ohh la la” in an impressive French accent accompanied with a disappointed head shake. Those were the days that would provoke feelings of nostalgia and prompt me to draw hearts around a poorly drawn Eiffel Tower in my notebook. I wish we could go back to the way things were, but we can’t move forward if our fondest memories are of syllabus week each semester.

I smile to myself, reminiscing about the good times, even when your midterm review put pressure on our rickety relationship. I should have known that out relationship was becoming stagnant when sleeping in sounded more appealing than beginning my day with the words “Phrase du jour.” I’m sorry if that is harsh and that it has to end this way, but I want you to know that I have learned so much during our time together. I just think, in the end, especially during finals, that what I didn’t learn was all too apparent. You are just too advanced, that is why I feel that I have some studying and maturing to do. I think it would be for the best if we said au revoir before we can’t even preserve what is left of our friendship, because we are still going to have to see each other for the duration of this semester.

I will never forget you—well, at least the overall concept of you. I just think you need to be with someone who can give you more attention. If I see you around with one of those French majors or minors, don’t worry I wont be mad. The most important thing to me is that you are happy.

Wishing you all the best,

Audrey