I have always wanted to study in America. My mother, my uncle and several of my cousins have studied abroad and always tell how much fun they had that year and that for them it was one of the best experiences of their lives. So, I want to have a similar experience. In fact, to prepare myself for that experience, last year I spent four months in a school in Dublin and lived with an Irish family during that time. For me, it was the first experience away from my family and I had to learn to have a more independent life, make my own decisions without my parents around. I knew another culture, different people, I learned to be more organized, tolerant of those who are different to me and to solve my own problems among other things. It was a unique experience. I’m a good student. I like to learn new things. I usually organize well and do my homework in advance so I can later enjoy basketball, a sport I practice since I was 5. I am quite autonomous. I try to do my homework on my own, but when I need it I ask my parents for help. I am the youngest of three brothers and the fact of being a large family has made me have to take responsibility since childhood for certain tasks (set the table, clean the dishes after dinner, always keep my room tidy) since my parents, who both work they don’t have time to do everything. I am an active and sporty person. Since I was 5 years old, I play basketball in the local team of the town where I live. I have also practiced swimming, water polo and horse riding for several years, although for lack of time I had to leave them, but when I have the opportunity, I keep practicing them, but now more sporadically. I also like spending time with my friends. For a couple of years my parents let me go out with my friends and I take advantage of Saturday afternoons to meet them and have a good time. Spending time with my family is also something I love. Although always in summer my parents send me to some summer camp in Spain or abroad, I always spend 3 weeks of my summer vacation with my family and take advantage of traveling, which we all love. Last year we went to New York and I liked it very much. The previous one we toured Portugal from Porto to the Algarve. Discovering new cultures is something I enjoy. Although I am a bit shy at first, I have a knack for making new friends and try to keep and take care of them. I still keep in touch with my Irish friends and those I met in Malta where I spent 2 weeks one summer learning English. My expectations for my stay abroad are to grow as a person, to learn about American culture, how life is in the United States, American traditions and to improve my English skills. I would have also the opportunity to show them how life is in my country. I hope to have the opportunity to study in the United States the course that is fulfilling one of my dreams. Regards Alejandro