There are many reasons I would like to participate in the Italian Exchange VII. First, I think it would be a fantastic learning experience and a chance for me to be more open to different cultures and customs. I also think that if I am chosen that maybe I could help the Italian that hosts me understand America's culture too, that is if it isn't too crazy for me to try to explain….

When I get out of school I would like to do some traveling abroad, so I think this trip could help me understand the process of oversea travel a lot. I would enjoy learning about their history and language. I am a big fan of history, mostly ancient history and would like to study it further after high school so this can help me in that goal. I am also fascinated with any language. From what I have heard of the Italian language I find it to be a "beautiful" language.

Outside of school I try to have as much fun as I can, but it has been kind of hard with all the home work I have had to do and other jobs. I do general yard work at my house and other people's houses. I have recently put in applications at a few places to raise money for things and this trip if I'm chosen. Aside from work I like to skateboard, listen to music, play soccer, and play guitar.

I would say that I am an athletic person; I play soccer on our high school team and in our rec. league. I also chose to be a sports writer in our school newspaper. When I skateboard I like to just go around Romney, I'm not really that good at it, but I try to have fun while doing it. I play my guitar in a little band called Klepto, I just started to play earlier this year but I like to think I'm an alright player though.

My favorite pastime would have to be listening to music. I'm very open when it comes to music; I listen to all types of music although my favorite type is punk rock, rock or emo. My motto when it comes to music is "no music is bad music".

My family lives in a small house and I have two siblings living with me, a younger brother Tyler (14), and a younger sister Chandera (12) and my mother, so I am used to being crowded at home. I have pets, two cats Josie, and Nala. I did have a dog but he just now died. I like all sorts of animals and wouldn’t have a problem having one in the house I would stay in.

This is just a little bit about me and why I would like to join my fellow classmates on this trip to Italy to learn about the ancient Roman culture and the Italian customs of today and compare them to American cultures to see how they are alike and how they different.