My family hosted an exchange student from Italy for ten days in September.  The experience was far more rewarding than I had anticipated.  As a result, my parents are allowing me to travel to Italy with the other Hampshire High School students.  This will probably be one of the most memorable events of my life. With the opportunity of learning a new language, living a new lifestyle, and adapting to a new culture, I would return to Romney with a brand new outlook on the world around me. 

As a sixteen year old, I have much to learn and explore about life and the world around me. With the opportunity to travel to Italy, I would achieve many goals, as well as grow as an individual.  I have never traveled out of the country, but I have always planned to, eventually.  Therefore, this would be the perfect opportunity for me.  While in a new place, country, I would have the privilege to learn about art, history, a different lifestyle, and a new language.  Many people never have the chance to travel abroad or achieve one of their goals, but by traveling to this foreign country, I would achieve one of mine.  Exploring the city and its surrounding areas would supply me with more culture, ! understanding, and suppress my curiosity.  This experience would also help me form closer bonds with the Italians that I have already met, and with the other students traveling from Hampshire High.

            I hosted an exchange student for the first time this year.  Her name is Gaia Berruto and is almost eighteen.  At first I was not sure if we would get along, or be able to communicate, but now I love her!  She is one of the nicest people that I have ever met, and we both learned a lot from each other.  She speaks English quite well, and I would like to speak Italian fluently.  I would appreciate and be honored living her lifestyle since she was able to experience mine.  Since she’s left, we still e-mail and write each other.  ! In fact I just received an English-Italian dictionary from her.  I have been studying so that if I am able to travel to Italy, I can speak their language. (Well at least attempt to)

            My home life is quite comfortable and “normal.”  My parents and I get along exceptionally well, and we have good communication.  My parents have many rules and restrictions, but I have no problem abiding by them.  I play soccer and am a member of Harmony Show-choir.  Also, I’m a member of Faith in Action., Peer Helpers, and Student Council.  I am a very easy person to please.  The only things I don’t like are cigarette smoke and getting up early. J

            Furthermore, it would be a great privilege to be apart in Italian Exchange VI.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I cannot pass up.  This would not only be a wonderful chance for me to explore a new place, but to help me grow as a person.