Before any of his students walk into French class and make it into their seats, Justice Obioha is waiting at the door with his hand extended for a fist-bump. Before each period, Obioha waits by his door and greets every student with a fist-bump and a “bonjour, ça va?”.
“It’s very important because you create the anticipation for students entering the classroom,” Obioha said. “Students come into the classroom with different feelings. It’s important to greet them to create that atmosphere and remind everyone that you are welcome here.”
This gesture reminds Obioha’s students that French class isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary. For junior Brittan Kuhn, the simple fist bump evolved into a complicated handshake featuring snaps, claps and a dab.
“It started randomly– I just went up to him one day, didn’t even tell him that we were going to do this handshake, but I just started,” junior Brittan Kuhn said. “He followed along. It was funny and we laughed about it, so we continue to do it to this day. It’s built our relationship because it’s a conversation starter no matter what. It’s just a great way to start my day.”
The class’ environment makes the subject more engaging for freshman Serina Lutes, who said she appreciates the personal aspects that Obioha adds to it.
“He is a fun teacher to have,” Lutes said. “Even if he didn’t teach French, I’m sure it would still be an extremely fun and engaging class.”
While Lutes’s positive experience in French class began during her freshman year, Nhi Cu’s experience emerges from a senior perspective. For her, French class isn’t just discovering new vocabulary or ways to greet one another, but is focused on applying what she has learned over the years to gain a deeper understanding of a language that challenged her perspective.
“I chose French as a language because I wanted to explore a language that is less common in Texas since it is usually dominated by English and Spanish.” Cu said.
French also offered Cu more than vocabulary lists and grammar exercises. The class encourages Cu to think globally and acknowledge and better understand the different perspectives and viewpoints that may differ from her own or her immediate surroundings.
“It also provided me with new knowledge, experiences within culture and understanding as it allowed me to look at language and culture through a different lens,” Cu said.
A major factor that also shaped her experience has been Obioha, similarly to Lutes. Cu has built a relationship with Obioha over time. Having him as her teacher for four years also allows Obioha to have insight into her growth over the years.
“He [Obioha] has a great passion for teaching the language and provides us with many activities that make learning French more entertaining,” Cu said. “He’s been teaching me for four years and I feel like I’ve been learning a lot through him.”
As a senior, Cu also looks forward to being able to master the skill and apply it beyond high school. Her aspirations lead her to look forward to French as a way to connect with people from different backgrounds.
“I look forward to being able to use it in the real world to connect with people from around the world, specifically French-speaking countries.” Cu said.
As Cu reflects on her time in French class, Lutes’s experience has just started. Guided by Obioha’s passion, the French classroom is a place where students can learn French and discover community and a broader view of the world.
