Last weekend, Alex, Linley and I spent time in the Chattanooga area with my French tutor, her husband Jon and their dog Buddy. Janet and I have been working together virtually since April of last year, but we’ve never had the opportunity to meet in person until last Thursday evening. 

What I love about language and travel isn’t *just* the language and travel; it’s the people. The people you meet along the way make experiences so much more fulfilling, and Janet has embodied that and then some for me. Janet holds me accountable, is an expert in not only learning French but five other languages too, and is my biggest cheerleader when I can’t find the right words or when I accomplish something difficult.

Everyone learning a new language needs a Janet, and every traveler needs a Geerlings family. I strive to be like Janet with my ESL students and change coaching clients alike: by cheerleading and holding others accountable to achieve their goals. 

Thank you to International Language Cafe and The Chattanooga School of Language for bringing Janet to me! 

Here were some highlights from our weekend together:

Not pictured: Linley and Buddy playing non-stop, Linley trying to jump in the Guinea Fowls’s crate, all the laughs while playing cards and all the memories around the dinner table. 💛

Media taken Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, August 2, 2026 in Chattanooga, TN