My name is Jordyn Anable. I graduated from the University of Washington in the United States with a Bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in anthropology in 2019. During my undergrad I interned in a photographic archive in Madrid, and I have spent the last six years volunteering with Project Gutenberg’s digitization process. I have always been interested in archival and conservation work, but after graduating I floundered. It took the pandemic for me to really evaluate what I wanted out of my life, and then actually act on that desire. Coming here is the beginning of something that I am incredibly excited for.
While I am barely at the beginning of the process, I have found the classes and training offered by the program to be very useful in preparing me for a future in the world of books. Personally I have found the Latin and Ancient Greek courses to be fascinating. With all the classes though, they are great training for the world of rare books, whether I wish to go directly into a career or continue in academia. However, it is the professional opportunities that I find myself anticipating the most. Beginning the year with the opportunity to build a website for the Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve was a surprise. However working on this professional assignment and the time and support we have for internships are wonderful ways to explore the fields open to us, gain experience while applying what we have been learning in class, and to make professional and personal relationships.
This journey has been a whirlwind so far. From new languages, new people, even just sorting out all of my forms and documentation, it has been a time of growth and challenge. I knew essentially no French, knowing no on, and little idea of what the immigration process would be. Staying flexible and being willing to improvise have been essential skills. I am so excited to study here in Besançon, exploring the region and the culture, while continuing to learn more about the professional world of rare books.
