In a world where English has achieved global dominance, it is unsurprising that the instrumental value of learning a language other than English (LOTE) for those already fluent in English is increasingly deemed unnecessary. There are significant enrollment declines postcompulsory second language (L2) learning in all English-speaking countries. To explore the common Australian "monolingual mindset" and students' reasons for (not) enrolling in elective LOTE subjects, a mixed methodology study was conducted with Tasmanian Year 9-12 students. While the findings highlighted the main (de)motivators experienced by students, one key finding was the lost cohort of students who want to study a LOTE but are prevented from doing so by personal and systemic barriers. A complex interplay of factors affects student decision-making regarding elective LOTE enrollment. This article focuses upon those students who were forced to discontinue their languages study and the untold story of elective LOTE enrollment decline.