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Vanessa Guinet ’02 (Juan Les Pins, France) is lending her talents as a native French speaker to work on a 17th century French epistolary collection. The EXCEL Scholar is assisting Roxanne Lalande, professor and head of foreign languages and literatures, in a translation and annotation of Madame de Villedieu’s Lettres et billets galants and Le Portefeuille.
“We’re working on a translation of 17th century love letters by a prolific woman author. This correspondence is interesting for a number of reasons. It was published against her wishes by her lover as a betrayal,” says Lalande.
She adds, “Vanessa’s work has been very helpful. I believe she is benefiting from a project of this scope.”
Guinet, who is majoring in philosophy and art, is gathering materials and biographical details on the letters and the author.
“This is a great opportunity to learn more about research,” she says. “I’ve been comparing different versions of the work and compiling historical facts. It’s all been pretty interesting. It’s a great chance to expand my research skills as an undergraduate.”
The EXCEL work may influence Guinet’s career plans, which include entering the advertising field or working as a high school French teacher.
“If I decide to become a teacher, I can see how all the research skills I’ve learned will benefit me. I’ve definitely enjoyed this project,” she says.
She adds, “It’s been great to meet people from diverse backgrounds here at Lafayette.”
Guinet is on the tennis team and plays intramural sports.