Debbie goes to Harvard

EA: Debbie, how did MUZZY fit into your childhood? 

Debbie: I grew up in a MUZZY household.  I never really thought about it as ‘learning a language’ any more than I thought about Sesame Street™ as ‘learning letters and numbers.’  To me, the characters and stories were about playing – just a natural part of my childhood.  What little kid wouldn’t love cartoons and songs? 

EA: Do you think MUZZY gives children the edge in school? 

Debbie: Well, when I started taking French in middle school, it was pretty easy for me.  I won the Concours National de Français award in high school and did well enough on my Advanced Placement exam to go into a high level class when I got to Harvard.  I’m majoring in history and literature.  I also play French horn in the orchestra, although I don’t think learning French had anything to do with that!

EA: Has your knowledge of a foreign language proved useful outside your studies? 

Debbie: Last summer I was an editor on a travel guide to Switzerland and Austria.  I know that my knowledge of French helped me get the job.

EA: How about your travels?

Debbie: Sure.  That's when you really appreciate being able to speak to people in their own language.  People are so much friendlier when you make the effort, and it's much easier to get around.  So far, I've used French in France, Morocco, and Montreal.

EA: Are you studying languages at Harvard?

Debbie: I have taken two French classes so far including one conversation course.  These days, I like speaking French with real, live people.  But for a kid, hanging out with a princess or a fuzzy Muzzy is so much cooler!