For Dr. Tara Hashemi, assistant professor of French for the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, the 2024 Paris Olympics wasn't just a global sporting event — it was a heartfelt homecoming. Born and raised in Paris, Hashemi's return to volunteer at the Games brought her full circle.

"Paris will forever be my home," Hashemi said. "Because of how big and diverse it is, you have friends from all different backgrounds. I was raised with people who were not like me, who had different ways of thinking and seeing things."

Hashemi moved to the United States in 2012 to pursue her graduate studies. She earned a Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching from the University of Arizona in 2019. She then joined Fresno State, where she has been teaching and conducting research ever since.

In addition to her role as a French professor, she serves as an advisor for students majoring or minoring in French and as the French Club advisor. Her passion for teaching languages shines through in her work, as she believes in the power of language to bridge cultures and enhance understanding.

When Paris was announced as the host city for the 2024 Olympics, Hashemi knew she had to be a part of it.

"Having the Olympics in my hometown was my biggest motivation," she explains. "Paris had not hosted the Olympics for exactly 100 years, so it was a historic moment."

The selection process for Olympic volunteers was highly competitive, Hashemi said, with over 300,000 applicants vying for just 45,000 positions. She said her language skills and dedication to service helped her secure a coveted volunteer role at the Stade de France, the largest stadium in Paris.

During the Olympics, Hashemi volunteered for 12 out of the 14 days of the event. Her responsibilities included assisting spectators, managing ticket gates, providing information and offering wheelchair services. She witnessed thrilling moments in rugby, track and field and even the closing ceremony.One of her most memorable experiences was watching France win the gold medal in men's Rugby Sevens.

"Seeing a whole stadium of 80,000 people just cheering and being happy, with some people crying and hugging each other — it was incredible," she said.

Hashemi's Olympic experience has impacted both her personal and professional life and reinforced her belief in the importance of language learning.

"It changed me in the way that I see how sports have a place in people's lives and how being behind a team or an athlete brings so much joy," she said. "Being able to communicate with people in their own language makes such a difference. It opens up a whole new level of interaction and understanding."

As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, Hashemi encourages her students and others to consider volunteering.

"It might seem scary because it's something we don't know, but it's truly life-changing. It's going to make you more open, more patient, more tolerant and more appreciative of sports, athletes, and different cultures."