Traveling to Italy, and abroad in general has always been something I've wanted to do. I've learned a great deal about European history already, and would love to learn more. I do feel that going would be more valuable to me as a person than reading about it in a book.

          My great grandfather came to America from Italy when he was 12, by himself. He has since passed away and I have no one to give me first hand accounts of Italy and what it's like there in general. Since I'm part Italian, this would help me understand a little more about myself. My parents have always accused my sleeping-in, love for pasta, and love for music to be my Italian side showing through. This would be a perfect opportunity to see if there is any truth to it or not.

          As a typical West Virginian student, I have not traveled very far out of my area that I live in. This would also be my first time being any more than 6 hours away from my house without my family. I'll be going off to college soon, and I'll be at a disadvantage to anyone that has traveled abroad and been away from their parents for a period of time.

          I also want to learn a little more about the music, classical or popular, that Italian teenagers listen to. I’ve never gotten to hear any non-local musicians perform before, and Italian musicians would have to count as new to me.

          It is nearly impossible o be considered a “global citizen” without leaving my own country. The only time I’ve left the United States was when I was in Canada for 4 hours to see Niagara Falls. This would be a one-time chance to interact with a culture I know little about first hand. It would also expose me more to the European ways of life.

          At the moment, I haven’t been able to spend as much time at home (awake) as I would like to. Right after school, I either have soccer, or band, or both. I am also using a good deal of my after school time for my college level English class.

          However, when I am not overcome with homework or practice, I spend my time either playing guitar or on the Internet. “Chores” take-up time too, but it is unnecessary for me to explain things that people do anyways.

          My interests have a strong base in music. I play the guitar, the tuba, nearly all woodwind instruments, and drums. Some of my non-music related interests would be soccer, hiking, and some hunting. I also coach and referee soccer games in my community voluntarily.  

          I also enjoy just being outdoors. I’ve always liked the woods and nature in general. I was informed that we would be doing some mild hiking while we are there, and I’m excited about that. I’d also enjoy getting to see one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world.

          Although I am extremely easy-going, I do dislike a few things. Fortunately, they are very few and I get over them quickly. Overly critical people, and bullies are the two things I can’t put up with. I have a tendency to be very liberal about people of that kind. However, I can keep my comments to myself if the need arises.

          I have an excellent sense of humor, or so I’ve been told, and I can get along with anyone. I think that this exchange program would be a great experience for me as a person. I like to think that I am very self-less and do whatever I can for “the group”, or for “the team”. I would forever appreciate an opportunity of this magnitude to travel across an ocean to a place I’ve never been before. Saying that I am excited would be an understatement.