For as long as I can remember, there has been a group of high school students traveling to Italy, likewise, a group from Italy coming here.  I can recall being in elementary school and the kids coming to our classes, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I hoped that one day I would have that same opportunity, and it’s not often that a trip to Italy is made available.  Now that it is, I don’t think I would ever be able to pass up the opportunity.  Often, it is normally a distant dream for teenagers to travel across the world, but just knowing it could become my reality is astounding.  I can only imagine my reaction when finally seeing all of the beautiful sights, such as the Alps, that I have only dreamt about.  I can already say that seeing them in person would be so much more extraordinary.

            I think being able to travel the world helps to create a better understand and acceptance of cultural diversities.  Listening to others views and opinions of areas unknown to me leads to prejudice about other races or sexual preferences.  Being able to evaluate different races and form my own opinions in turn helps to gain independence necessary for the rest of my life.  I can’t think of a better opportunity to increase my independence than the Italian Exchange Program.  Participating in the trip would benefit me in many more ways, but most of all it would fully expose me to Italian culture.  Which, from my point of view, would be an absolutely amazing, once- in-a- lifetime experience.  

            I would love to physically be able to see all the amazing architectural buildings and phenomenal scenery in Italy.  I believe the trip would offer me a learning experience beyond the confines of the classroom. No offense to the history teachers, but there is nothing like a “hands-on” history encounter. I think actually getting to view all the well-known historical areas and sights would help make the historical background more real to me.  I would also love to learn more about the style in Italy.  What better place to learn about style than in Milan, THE FASHION CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!!  I am very interested in the latest fashions and the different types of fashions according to different areas.  I would like to compare the latest trends in Milan with the latest styles of Romney, WV (I am sure there is a complete difference).  Besides the historical areas and fashions, I would like to get a taste of Italy.  I have always heard that Italian food is WONDERFUL! Being that I am a pizza/pasta lover I am sure I would be doing a lot of taste testing! J

            Although there is a tremendous distance between Romney and Italy, I would like to think I have some of the same interests as a girl my age from Italy does.  As of right now, my biggest interest is tennis, but I am a cheerleader at heart. During my free time, I really like to read, socialize, and listen to music. I am a big fan of Mary Higgins Clark, and the band Oasis.  One of my biggest hobbies is, of course, shopping, but I really like to bargain hunt at places like the Rio Mall and find clothes to remake.

            Overall, I think traveling to Italy would be one of the greatest experiences a person my age could have, but in addition to traveling I think hosting would be just as fun.   My family is great and I can definitely see someone new fitting into our home well.  I have a baby sister and a nine-year old brother, so that always makes life more interesting, and eventful.  My mom and I have an extremely close relationship, even though we do sometimes argue, she is my best friend and I could talk to her about anything. 

 I am sure by now you perceive how eager I am to participate in the Italian Exchange Trip.  I am confident that I have only listed a few of the exciting happenings that will take place on the trip, and hopefully I will be able one of the lucky ones who get to experience them.