Today, our world is largely defined by globalization and its consequential rapid mobilization of cross cultural communication, none of which would be possible without the existence of language. Yet, despite being immersed in a world of over 6,000 languages, the majority of Americans remain enclosed within the narrow confines of only one; entrapped within the limits associated with being a largely monolingual nation in a multilingual globe. In fact, while traveling abroad in Barcelona, I overheard a joke that has largely impacted my position on the benefits, importance and necessity for foreign languages: “If you call a person who speaks two languages “bilingual” and a person who speaks 3 languages “trilingual,” what do you call a person who only speaks 1 language? An American.” This joke undoubtedly satirizes the infamous and inherent incompetence of America as a nation when it comes to foreign linguistic acquisition and ability. Unarguably, the emergence of a newly globalized society requires urgent adaptation from those who reside within it, and in order to prosper, communicate, and compete effectively, there must be a heightened emphasis placed on cross cultural skills and awareness through the means of our education system. Thus, a reconstructed and strengthened foreign language education program in America is not only conducive for a successful future, but also an absolute, present-day necessity. However, it is critical that this educational implementation must begin in the earliest grades, due to the fact that the younger are much more inclined to learn, comprehend and retain foreign languages (McKnight). For this reason, there ought to exist a foreign language requirement, one supported by educators, parents and the general public alike, whose origins are embedded at the elementary level, and are continued to be implemented consistently throughout the remainder of schooling. Ensuring a mandatory implementation of a foreign language education system, beginning at the elementary level would have immense benefits for both the students and society alike. In fact, research has proven the existence of positive correlations between foreign language study and cognitive ability, academic ability, and positive brain development in children. (McKnight) Furthermore, not only does the mastery of a new language aide one’s ability to learn in itself, but also drastically improves one’s mental health. Multiple studies have shown that the process of learning a new language improves memory ability, while simultaneously fighting against mental ailments such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. (Dreifus) Furthermore, as a direct result of the implementation of foreign language programs, our society’s cultural norms, awareness and perspectives would be immensely broadened, thus allowing for an enhanced communal ability to understand and communicate cross