Allyce-CP1

   I honestly wasn't quite sure what to expect from my conversation partner but was really excited to meet him. We texted a bit before our initial meeting and his texts were very clear and used quite a few colloquialisms, I therefore concluded that his English was most likely upper intermediate level and eagerly set up a coffee date (we had both previously decided that coffee was "necessary to life").  We met at the iconic Westcott fountain and I quickly realized an inherent mistake on my part, writing/reading can be far more easy than oral comprehension. After quickly bursting into introductions and questions I could tell he wasn't following everything I had said. I was embarrassed, being a language learner myself, at forgetting the difficulty of understanding a native speaker. I paused and tried to re-iterate everything I had said in a slower and more articulate manner. My efforts did not go unnoticed and he joyfully thanked me for slowing down, "You speak very fast for me" he said. I apologized and promised I would make more of an effort throughout our conversation.  Once we arrived at Starbucks (stereotypical American I know...) we began to establish a rapport, learning about each other's backgrounds, interests, etc. Information which would help us establish a strong conversational basis.  The meeting went great! We were both really excited to talk and learn about each other, he said that our conversation was already helping, particularly since his previous conversation partner never met with him. We had valuable things in common and both our little sisters studied at FSU which was a cool coincidence. Although we both speak French, me as a second language and him as his native language, I made it clear that we should only use French as a last resort, our conversations would be in English for his benefit although I would greatly appreciate his help learning some informal French. We spoke of Paris where his relatives live and I shared my intensive French learning situation which put him at ease, we were able to share stories about how difficult it is to speak a second language and the frustration one feels when you understand what someone is saying to you but your response simply will not come out quickly. Overall, the meeting was a wonderful success! We are already planning our next meeting and will most likely participate in some activity such as the Zoo or something, he hasn't gotten out much in Tallahassee and is excited to explore.