"Some will never learn anything because they understand everything to soon,” Thomas Blout. I stand by this quote with firm feet. This is one of the many reasons I would like to travel to Italy on the exchange, knowledge. Human behavior intrigues me, so, you should understand, I would love to bathe in a culture that is not my own. To be educated in the lifestyles of others will broaden my horizons unimaginably for “only the educated are free” -Epictetus. The challenge of spirited study makes it all the more worthwhile because I feel, though the hurdle may be high, after the jump is completed, I will be a better person. Italian is a charming language that I find myself eager to drink in. Not only is the language an aspect of the Italian lifestyle in which I am impatient to participate, but the food, home life, and music are to be explored with the utmost enthusiasm.
However much I may be yearning for these new experiences, I enjoy many things here at home nonetheless. I enjoy a good book, to run, talking with my mom, and practicing meditation. I love nature! I am a Wiccan (that is a nature-based religion for those of you who have not heard of it) and pray regularly. I can spend my time in solitude as easily as I can surrounded by the pulsating vibrations of people. I like to experience new things, even though at times they may be intimidating. I am filled with zealousness at the thought of meeting new people. I can and will stand up and admit that I am wrong when I know I am (with the exception of my little brothers.) I am not afraid to make mistakes, but, on the contrary, rejoice that I am human enough to make them! I am not stubborn and am fully capable of changing my opinion if the opposing argument makes more sense to me than I had previously thought. However, there is one subject which I cannot budge on, toleration. After all, a great man once said that “toleration is the best religion.” I was raised to treat everyone equal no matter what race, sex, religion, political opinion, sexual orientation, or even annoyance level. But I, hoping not to be a hypocrite, cannot tolerate bigots, bullies, or abusers of any kind. I am able to keep my mouth shut if need be in the presence of a bigot because I understand if I were to try and reason with this person that it would only prove myself an idiot, for they are a product of their childhood and can probably not be changed.
My father is somewhat ignorant in these respects, but my mother, my salvation, is kind to anyone who isn’t a phoney and doesn’t talk forever without really saying anything. I have two little brothers, both of whom are a year younger than me, and are twins. Their names are Brian and Andrew. Brian is very sporty and popular; Andy, on the contrary, is more humble at times. We live in a fairly big house surrounded with dense forest. If I receive the honor of being chosen to accompany the Italian Exchange Program, I will do my best to represent the students of Hampshire High, West Virginia, and the United States of America in a glowing light.