Dear future host family, My name is Melinda, I am 16 years old. I've always lived in Belgium. And I've always lived in the countryside. I have a little brother who is 13. I live with both my parents and my little brother. My mom and dad are self-employed in a butcher's shop. I have a dog ( Boby ), a cat ( Izy ) and 3 goats. I love animals. I'm pretty good at school. I'm a year ahead (I've passed the 2nd kindergarten). At my school, we have classes from 08.10 to 16:10. At school, I like biology and maths even though I still don't know what I want to do later. So I'm hoping this exchange year will clear my head :). I haven't done any club sports for a long time, but when I was younger I did horse-riding, dance and swimming. So apart from school sports, I don't really do any sports (apart from the occasional bike ride or walk). I've already worked as a student in a restaurant washing dishes and in a sheltered workshop as a surface technician. I love travelling. And I like playing board games and cards. I'm also a member of my village's youth club. I'm often told that I'm very mature for my age. I think this is true, but it's due to experiences in my life (my little brother has a disability). I'm also responsible, I like order (that things are tidy), I'm punctual and helpful. I'm very shy at first, but once I get to know people and feel comfortable with them, I'm much more sociable. I want to do an exchange year because, firstly, English will be a big plus for my future studies. But most of all also because I want to discover another culture, different people from the ones I'm used to seeing, new landscapes and so much more... This school year will take me out of my comfort zone and, I hope, help me grow... I chose the United States because it's a country I've always wanted to know better. I could introduce you to the customs of my country, our traditions (St Nicholas, ...), the Belgian culture. I could also introduce you to pancakes, waffles, Belgian chocolate, the sausage my dad makes ;),... It's with great excitement and a little apprehension that I'm preparing this trip, and I can't wait to meet you and share this new adventure with you. But before all that, I can't wait to learn more about you! Thank you for this opportunity, I look forward to joining you in the United States. With gratitude, Melinda