My name is Kaitlyn D. I live in Augusta, which is about 7 minutes from Hampshire High School. I live with my mom, dad, and brother Ryan. I’m an optimist and love to make new friends, play sports, dance, sing, talk politics, and shop! I am in Harmony Show Choir, and I play volleyball and basketball for HHS. I would definitely characterize myself as an extrovert. I love all types of music especially rock n’ roll. I also enjoy reading, some of my favorite authors are Nicholas Sparks, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Arthur Miller, Ernest Hemmingway, among many others. I just turned 17 on June 29th, and I am a senior. I enjoy all subjects, but my favorites are biology and history. In the future, I plan to pursue a career in nursing.

Many motives encompass my desire to return to Europe. It was a tremendous experience that helped me grow emotionally and mentally. It opened my eyes to a broader horizon that I had never anticipated. I would love to have to that opportunity yet again, so I can learn even more about the European culture. I met people who I will remain friends with forever. This trip inspired me to learn different languages when I had no desire prior to my departure.

I use to think that no country could compare to the United States. I still think that the U.S. is the best country in the world; however, most of the European countries could are equally as wonderful. I had no idea how beautiful it would be, nor did I anticipate the generosity of the people. It was just spectacular! My previous host family is like my second family, and I know that we will always stay close. I had no idea that I could have so much in common with someone from a different country, and it was an amazing discovery for me. Who knows when I will have another opportunity as rewarding as this one.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to host an Italian student last year due to the completion of my house, and this year I am extremely eager to bestow upon her the traits of the American culture. I know that I can gain knowledge from her just as much as she can from me. I’ve also considered studying abroad for a semester sometime during my college education. I’m not sure which country, but if I learn more Italian, I would like to study in Milan. I liked Milan because the fashion industry excites me, and it would be awesome to work in a boutique whenever I wasn’t studying.

Our group last year was awesome, and I bonded wonderfully with them. We all grew as global citizens and as friends. We had a great group of students, and we are all still close friends as a result of the Italian Exchange Program. We will be spending more time in Germany next year, and I find that very interesting because I am of Italian and German descent. In closing, I would like to thank Mrs. Hott and Mr. Moore very much for giving me the best experiences that I have ever had.