Years ago (more than I'd care to admit), I discovered that in order to obtain a degree from Fort Hays State University in the discipline I'd chosen, I'd have to complete basic training in a foreign language. At the time, I was frustrated by another requirement and more money I'd have to spend in order to obtain a piece of paper that would eventually hang in an 8-by-11 frame on any given wall.

Looking down the list initially, I have to say that I was disappointed by the low number of language avenues that I could stroll down, but realistically understood why this was so. In a rather hurried decision, I chose to make an attempt at taking on French as my second language.

To say that I was some sort of a prodigy from the start would be as far from the truth as one could get. Yet, despite initial difficulties, I was still met with patience, respect and an environment that fostered growth for a student of any learning style.

So when I was accepted into a worldwide program to teach English as a foreign language in France after only my third semester, it came as a surprise to me, but not to those who helped me along the way.

It was during this year in a prestigious program that I truly came to appreciate several aspects of my foreign language study at FHSU. I came to appreciate the skill of the professors, the devotion they have to their craft, their patience and, above all, their warm friendship despite fostering a program that had never historically yielded high numbers. After all, it was through these things that I was able to experience culture and embrace opportunities that I couldn't even imagine while in Kansas.

So I have to admit that I was initially shocked when I heard of the university administration's plan to cut French as a foreign language and knock down the number of foreign languages that you can major in from three to two.

Now I'm not so naive as to believe that this is some evil conspiracy that has been concocted by the forces of evil. Fiscally, there may be so called justifications for this downsizing. Yet still, I can't help but be disappointed. Disappointed that this decision was seemingly made unilaterally, and I'm astonished at the lack of public discourse on the matter. I'm rather certain that it wasn't meant to do so, but such an abrupt "resolution" creates the appearance of pushing the issue under the rug.

So if it isn't said, I'll go ahead and say it, thank you to all those at the university who have spoken French in an informal setting and aided its development in students in any way possible. Thank you to all of those in the area who have begun the French curriculum early, and I hope you continue to provide opportunities for students to experience a unique culture.

And finally, thank you to those who have devoted their careers to the instruction of French in the classroom. I assure you that you are indeed appreciated, even if it's by no one else except me.

Matthew Musgrove, a Nebraska native and Hays resident, is a senior at Fort Hays State University studying political science. mkurtism@gmail.com