

My battle as a beginner opens up a world of wonder, by Nataly Dawn
May 7, 2024
Nataly Dawn, a singer-songwriter and one half of the band Pomplamoose, recounts her journey of adapting to life in a small French town after moving from the U.S. She candidly shares her struggles with language and the insecurities of being a beginner. As she learns French, Nataly discovers joy and connection through creativity and shared experiences with her classmates. Embracing a beginner's mindset transforms her challenges into opportunities for growth, underscoring the beauty in exploration and mindfulness.
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Moving to France
- Nataly Dawn moved from Los Angeles to France at age 10, repeating 5th grade due to language barriers.
- She struggled with cultural differences, from school subjects to playground games, feeling like an outsider.
First Grade French Class
- Nataly was sent to a first-grade French class due to her limited language skills, feeling embarrassed and ashamed.
- The classroom, shaded by an oak tree, offered a cooler, more welcoming environment than her fifth-grade class.
Joy of Learning
- Singing in French proved easier than speaking, and Nataly found joy in learning with the first graders.
- Their acceptance helped her overcome shame, realizing that being a beginner is expected.