Bill Cox traveled with IUHPFL to Saint-Brieuc in 1976. Looking back on his experience, education, and career, Bill notes that his summer abroad was a formative experience that helped shape his world view, interests, and skills, despite not using French regularly in his career.
Bill started studying French in 5th grade and continued throughout high school. Participating in an immersive language program helped him learn French in a new and different way that improved his language more than classroom instruction ever had. While abroad, Bill appreciated being surrounded by the people of IUHPFL: his host family, his fellow stagiaires, the instructors and faculty. They created a supportive network that helped Bill overcome challenges when they arose.
After graduating from Arsenal Tech High School, Bill attended Franklin College, majoring in Biology and French. He also received a minor in Computer Science. Bill later went back to school to get a Master of Science in Management at Purdue after working for a few years. He has worked in various management roles in the healthcare sector throughout his career. Although he did not use French regularly in his various jobs, there were times when he was specifically chosen for business travel because of his language skills.
Like many IUHPFL alumni, Bill’s career doesn’t directly reflect his interest and abilities in language and culture. His participation in the program and study of French are still important chapters in his life. “I pursued my study of French because I had a passion for learning French (and later, other languages). I did not, though, intend to pursue a career in it. However…is there no value in pursuing something that does not generate income? I think not! Perhaps it’s my perspective now, looking back on my own 40-year career. Or perhaps it’s my liberal arts education coming out. There is so much more to work or career. Family, faith, community service, and plain old having fun. Not surprisingly, the IUHPFL program provides students with opportunities to expand their understanding and appreciation of all these and more.”
Nowadays, Bill is retired and has more time to spend on some of his interests like hiking, camping, cycling, and water sports. He also frequently travels with his wife; they recently got back from Italy and are already planning their next adventure! IUHPFL has had an influence here: studying abroad made Bill a more flexible traveler and opened him up to experience other countries and cultures.
Reflecting on his summer in Saint-Brieuc, Bill realized what a pivotal time it was for him. “Thinking back now on the experiences in my life that I can say were truly and deeply transformational, I can count a half dozen or so. Without hesitation, I include my IUHPFL experience in Saint- Brieuc on this list. I wonder how many high school students can fully appreciate the significance of this statement. Someone once said, ‘Who you are is where you were when.’ If we are each the summation of our experiences, why not grasp ahold of every good and positive experience we can? I hope our future language learners in Indiana will do just that.” As for specific advice for future IUHPFL students, Bill says, “Prepare yourself to be changed forever; stay open-minded; be a sponge in every situation; shrug off your mistakes and learn from them; cultivate deep, lasting friendships; work hard – harder than you think you are able; and have a blast, definitely have a blast!”
