Franck Ebang: Life Lessons from a Language Learner
F ranck Tucker Ebang is well-spoken… in many languages! This former international student is an author and entrepreneur with a deep passion for language. Franck understands the importance of learning, passion, and purpose to achieving your dreams. I had a chance to hear about the perspective he’s gained.
Lessons in any language
Franck’s career may be devoted to language, but the lessons he’s learned apply to everyone. When I asked about his inspiration to study language, Franck offered a Nelson Mandela quote:
“ If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”
That advice applies to just about any field.
Heart is everything
Anything that you don’t care about feels like drudgery. Franck says that learning a language is very difficult, but “when it comes from the heart, it becomes easier.” We could all benefit from remembering that—find heart in the things that are difficult for you. Make the things you find heart in naturally a bigger part of your work!
“ Learning a language is very difficult, but when it comes from the heart, it becomes easier. Find heart in the things that are difficult for you. Make the things you find heart in naturally a bigger part of your work!”
On purpose
Franck has also learned about the importance of real purpose. Life can be tedious without that, too. You wake up in the morning with so much time, he says, but without purpose, you’ll ask yourself why you’re waking up at all.
“Doing something for somebody else is purpose,” he says. Franck and I agree—making an impact is what truly motivates.
I loved learning about Franck’s experiences as a lifelong learner. Join our conversation to hear more of his thoughts or chime in in the comments:
What other languages do you speak that aren’t your own—French or office lingo, perhaps? Whatever it is, I’d love to hear how it’s helped you succeed.
About Franck Ebang
Franck Tucker Ebang is a former international student from Gabon, West Africa. He holds a degree in International Relations from American Public University Systems. He is a two-time author, a public speaker, and a Certified Interpreter of the Portland Global Institute of Translation and Interpreting. Passionate about languages, he speaks French, English, Spanish, and German.
