Imagine a world with no racial discrimination. This goal may seem farfetched but maybe if more students had the opportunity to visit another country, this goal could be realized.

Traveling to another country has always been a dream of mine. Ever since I heard of the Italian exchange program I have wanted to go. This trip could be my only chance to go to another country. It is an especially good chance because we would be visiting more then one country. In another country I can see things I have never seen before and try new things.

The furthest I have ever been from home is Ohio.  It was a school trip and my mother went with me. I have never stayed more then one night somewhere without a member of my family with me. My mother thinks this trip will make me more independent, but I think I already am. She just will not let me do things for myself. Still either way I will be trying and doing things I would not normally try or do.

This trip will help me as a student to understand more about the way things are done in some European countries. I will be seeing many historical sights. One of my favorite subjects is history so it will be interesting to learn about some the history of the places we visit. As a global citizen I will be better able to understand and accept foreign cultures. As an individual I will make new friends and possibly understand a bit of a foreign language.

I think it will be an interesting experience going to church with the family I stay with. My family is not very religious and we do not go to church. If I go on this trip not only do I get to go to church but most likely a Catholic Church. It will be a chance to better understand the Catholic religion.

I will be in tenth grade when the Italians come to stay with us, but I will still be fifteen years old. I live outside of Green Spring, West Virginia. My father, Ernie, is the public Water Systems Operator for Green Spring and Springfield. My mother, Sheba, is a Head Start Family Educator.  I have an older sister, Erin. She will be 17 and a senior next year. We have two dogs, three finches, approximately six cats, a rabbit, a goat and some fish.

My life really is not all that busy. Most of my chores are the type that you only have to do once a week. I am a member of the school marching band so I have to go to football games every Friday during football season. I am also a member of the Springfield Jr. Rescue Squad. I have meetings for that the first Thursday of every month. Sometimes though I have to serve dinners or go to classes but not that often.