Do you ever have to much to do and not enough time to do it in? When I was asked to host an Italian exchange student I was worried that I would have to much to do and not enough time to do it in! I thought it would be overwhelming looking after another person. Much to my surprise, it wasn’t! Sergio, my Italian exchange student, and I developed a unique friendship. I would like the opportunity to visit Sergio in Italy, not only to build on that friendship, but also to also learn and experience what life is like living in Italy.

During Sergio’s visit, he presented to me a book on Vercelli and a silver emblem, a miniature replication of the Rose Window. The original is in the Sant’ Andrea Cathedral. I would like the opportunity to visit this Cathedral and some of the other places shown in the book. I would also like the opportunity to view the “Ice Man.” I have an interest in archeology and I think this would be an educational experience of a lifetime! The opportunity to experience a different culture is exciting. I want to learn how their schools are structured and how they view family life. Are their family bonds as strong as they are here in America?

I come from a family that not only shows me love everyday, but also gives me support. They are my biggest fans. My father, Robert, and my mother, Stacy, push me to excel in everything I do. I have one brother, Jesse, 11 years old, with whom I spend a lot of time with. We love to play soccer, paintball, and computer games with each other. I also have two older sisters who live in Tennessee. April is a hairdresser and Jennifer is attending college studying to become a Teacher. We have two dogs, Rocky, a German Sheppard, and Brandy, a Saint Bernard. We also have one cat, Ricky, who seemed to enjoy agitating Sergio when he was staying with us. I am lucky to have a family that cares. I have seen a difference in other classmates and friends who come from families that do not support them. I am thankful for my family and friends.

Speaking of support, I do believe the exchange program is very beneficial not only to the school but also to every student who participated in the program. Picking the students for the Italian trip is going to be difficult with the numbers that have applied. Having hosted a student, Sergio, reinforced my desire to go to Italy. I am a great student with a good personality. I try my hardest to maintain an above average grade point level. I do all of this while staying active with school activities, my friends and my favorite sport, soccer. I do like to have good attendance, but this past year was difficult. I had my ankle broken in a school sport (soccer), which I had no control over. I always try to keep a positive attitude, and I like to try new things. I have been taught to use and develop good communication skills. I am able to follow and use directions, which could be an asset to our group in Italy if I am chosen to go. My ability to get along well with others would not only be useful among our group but also to the people we meet along the way. Being able to communicate with others will be critical to make this trip successful.