Introduction

I am Jolliette Alice Bessette, and I am very pleased to meet you. I am a 27 year old French Canadian/American. I was named after the French explorer Louis Jolliet, who discovered New France. My name is often difficult for non-French speaking individuals to pronounce.

Some facts about me

On my history and heritage

• I am a French Canadian by birth.
• I was born in Québec
• I maintain dual citizenship in both Canada , and the United States of America .
• I currently live in the state of Illinois .
• I have lived all of my life within the boundaries of New France .
• I do not consider myself a Canadian, but rather a Québécoise due to my political beliefs and cultural heritage.
• My personal history has led to me feel at home anywhere in New France.
• I struggle with my identity as an American, but strongly identify with the states of Illinois and Louisiana .
• I more readily identify as an American, than I do as a Canadian, but less readily than I identify as a Québécoise, or as a daughter of New France.
• I love Acadiana .

On beliefs

• Politically I tend to be a bit of a paradox. I disagree with most political groups in part, and agree with most in parts, but I am not a moderate.
  • When in Québec, I tend to vote for the Parti Québécois. I support national sovereignty for Québec, and secession. I strongly believe Québec would be better as an independent nation, and I am proud that Québec has never signed the Constitution.
  • When in the United States, I tend to vote for Democratic Party. While I am socially very conservative, and fiscally fairly conservative, national health care and access to education are major issues for me, which often sway my vote.
• I am very religious, though unlike most Québécois, I am not Roman Catholic. Instead I adhere to the beliefs shared by the Religious Society of Friends , more commonly known as the Quakers. While I attend a meeting affiliated with the Friends General Conference, my beliefs are closer to that held by the Friends United Meeting.

On editing

• English is not my first language. While I am very proficient with English, and use it more often than French these days, my grammar is often flawed.
• I often make mistakes in spelling and grammar when typing. I always appreciate copyedits.

On life

• I love cooking, and have a special talent and taste for traditional food of New France.
• I am a passionate student of history, if only as an amateur past time.