Hello, my name is José Tomás. I live in Chile, and I'm excited to have the opportunity to be part of your family and to live this exchange experience with you. I am a very happy and positive person. I always try to see the good side of things and maintain an optimistic attitude in the face of challenges. Additionally, I consider myself sociable and love meeting new people. One of my great passions in life is sports. My favorites are skiing, paddle, tennis, rugby, and running. Currently, I am preparing to run a 10K in the Santiago marathon. I also love nature; we often go trekking in different mountains, which is something I am passionate about. I have seen several condors and other animals at the top of the mountain. My family is very important to me. I have a sister with whom I share many fun moments, a dad who always supports me in everything I do, and a mom who is my role model. They have been fundamental in my life and have taught me values such as respect, responsibility, and perseverance. At school, I strive to get good grades and am always eager to learn new things. My favorite subject is mathematics. I enjoy facing new academic challenges and improving myself every day. Here in Chile, we have several traditions. The one I like the most is celebrating Independence Day, which is in September. Our whole family gathers at my grandparents' countryside; we decorate the garden with flags and garlands, and from very early in the morning, we roast a lamb on a spit with firewood. I love it! We also eat "empanadas de pino," which is a typical Chilean dish, one of my favorites. Why do I want to participate on an exchange program? Well, first of all, I want to live this unique experience that will allow me to grow as a person and learn from a different culture. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to travel to the US previously, during which I developed an affection for this country. I would also love to improve my English and be able to communicate more fluently. I would love to meet you, and I am excited to learn about the culture in your country. I appreciate in advance for opening the doors of your home to me.