French for the Future » Featured Student: Daniel Sorek

Featured Student: Daniel Sorek

December's featured student is Daniel Sorek.

Daniel was born and raised in Toronto and is a grade 11 student at Northern Secondary School. Languages are highly prioritized in Daniel's studies in undertaking both AP Spanish and French courses this year.

In pursuit of bilingualism, Daniel has, in working with the teachers of Northern's Modern Language Department, sought to immerse himself and his peers in the richness and beauty of Francophone cultures. He has done so by participating in an exchange to France, playing a role each year in organizing the Mardi Gras festival, and, organizing Northern's first ever French Careers Symposium, designed to promote studies in French.

After high school, Daniel would like to attend university and study a combination of modern languages (with an emphasis on French) with the hopes of attending graduate school. His dream job would be to work in the Foreign Service.

Daniel would like to thank his teacher, Mme Silvana Bartlett, for her ongoing commitment and support in his experiences with French, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Name: Daniel Sorek
Age: 16
Grade: 11
City: Toronto
First language: English
Favourite music: Among my favourite francophone groups are Mike Brant, Adamo, and Serge Gainsbourg
Favourite food: Middle-Eastern cuisine
Favourite French book: J'accuse by Emile Zola
Favourite way to practice French: Listening to music, watch the News in French, have conversations about current events
Why he thinks it is important to learn French: In my opinion, speaking both of official languages helps Canadians integrate within the country and to advance more quickly in their careers. Furthermore, to learn French is a sign of respect for the numerous Francophone communities that make up an integral part of our identity, customs, and history.
Best experience "en français": Last year, I participated in an exchange in France. The friendships I developed with my French correspondents mean a lot to me. The fact that I could communicate correctly with French students gave me a sense of pride.
The coolest Francophone country is, in his opinion: France. It’s an advanced country that is responsible for numerous initiatives, discoveries, and cultural contributions that make the world a better place. France inspired the world with its innovative thinkers and artists such as Voltaire and Gauguin and it plays a leading role in humanitarian aid with Médecins sans frontières [Doctors Without Borders].
How he will use his French skills in the Future: I would like to work in parts of the world where one day French will be the lingua franca.
Where he would like to go: I would very much like to visit Morocco because it represents an intersection point between two distinct cultures: French and Arabic. Also, to see the sites where the Roman conquest of Africa took place would be a great privilege for a student of ancient history. And I love couscous!