I ,Tory G., would like to participate in the Italian Exchange program
because it will be a great learning opportunity. As a student, I would learn a
lot about the Italian language, which would benefit me a lot, because I think
foreign languages are an important part of everyone’s education. It would also
help me learn about students in the Italian culture and what their lifestyle is
compared to mine.
As an individual I think it would make me a better person, because I would be
meeting people from another country and learning about them and how they live. 
I think it would be very interesting to learn about another culture and see how
it differs and compares to my own.
I think this trip would benefit me immensely as a global citizen. I think that
the key to having a better world is people from around the world understanding
each other and knowing about each other’s cultures.
I have heard many experiences of the Italian exchange from people who have gone
in the past, and they seem to have learned a lot. Two of my siblings have
participated in this exchange and I would like to continue that tradition by
going also.
The Italian Exchange program is also a chance to get to know people from my own
school who I might not otherwise get to know.
I have been playing the mandolin for about five years now. I like to play
mostly old-time and some bluegrass music. I very much enjoy playing in jam
sessions, going to music festivals and music camps. I have lots of fun playing
the mandolin and have met many of the best friends of my life in the process.
I also enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, doing things with computers,
taking walks, writing songs and poems, and playing sports.
I have been playing soccer since I was very young. I enjoy playing soccer a
lot. Right now I am playing in a spring travel league. I do not play for the
school team but would like to next year. I also enjoy playing basketball.
I have also been in 4-H for six years. I have attended the county 4-h camp for
all six years and have attended State 4-H teen leader weekend four out of the
six years. I enjoy taking leadership projects in 4-H and have learned a lot
about leadership.
I am also very involved with my church, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. I
serve there often and am involved in the M.A.R.Y. Youth group there.
I think that I have a very close-knit family. I live with my dad, Phil, my
mom, Shari, twin sister Emily, and for this year we have a Thai sister living
with us named Proud, I think my family gets along very well for the most part. 
My two brothers, Matthew and Nathan are both in college so they live there. 
They come home often to visit.
I do not share a room with any of my siblings at this time, although when I was
little I shared a room with my twin sister Emily. I would not mind having to
share a room with someone.