Hitting a Wall:

Today at L’Alliance Française, I encountered a significant and unavoidable barrier that led to a profound realization: I do not understand English grammar. I don’t see this situation as a personal failure but a consequence of my educational background. At twelve, I was placed in an institution that lacked educational opportunities, a deficiency that once again presents a significant obstacle.

Various challenges have impeded my progress over the years. Now, at 74, one might question whether it’s too late to reclaim what was lost. Yet, I am determined to seize this moment.

Faced with the choice of mastering English grammar to pursue my dream of speaking French or abandoning that dream, I have decided to tackle the grammar. This feels like reclaiming a piece of my never-fully realized potential, and I am committed to overcoming this obstacle.

Although I write proficiently in English, my skill has always been rooted in intuition, a deep love for words, and a keen ear for language. During my university years, I heavily relied on remedial support and assistance from others.

I admit to endless frustration due to my lack of knowledge of basic grammar. For example, how do I punctuate the abbreviation, etc.?

In the past, my nightly routine often included reading dictionaries and thesauruses to navigate my lack of formal grammatical knowledge. Although I haunt Google and many online dictionaries, I will be relieved to be able to rely on my knowledge.