Dear American Family, People usually call me Sara, but soon you can call me Cala! This is the name my close friends and family use, and I can’t wait for you to join that circle! I am a 17-year-old girl living in a small town with my mom. My dad works in a different city, and my older sister is pursuing her education in yet another city. Even though we are far apart, we make sure to FaceTime every day to stay connected and share our lives. It brings me joy to hear about their day, and I hope you’ll be part of these conversations too! At home, I have several responsibilities to help my mom. I help with household chores like washing and drying the laundry, folding clothes, and ironing. I wash the dishes and tidy up the kitchen after meals. I also make my bed and keep my room nice and clean for our beloved cat. Caring for our pets is something my family and I truly love, as we have been cat lovers for many years. Having a pet brings so much happiness into our lives. I have a passion for socializing and discovering new things. I love discussing interesting topics with my friends because these conversations help me understand different perspectives and appreciate diverse opinions. I often participate in debate competitions, which teach me to stand firm in my beliefs while using facts and logical reasoning. Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of effective communication and teamwork. My friends mean a lot to me, and I cherish the time we spend together. We often gather outside of school to enjoy various activities, whether it’s studying together, working on school tasks, grabbing snacks, having BBQs, or even going to the beach. We always trying to have fun together! They are very supportive, creating a welcoming atmosphere where we can express ourselves freely. I truly appreciate our friendships and the different interests we share. It’s exciting to be surrounded by such positive energy! My town is unique and vibrant. While it’s a small town, it is full of history and culture. The boat-building tradition is something we take pride in, as it connects us to our rich past. Our community also embraces traditional things, including our traditional clothing, delicious local food, and special ceremonies for weddings or even funerals. These traditions symbolize our simple life and strengthen our bonds as a community. Looking toward the future, I have big dreams! I want to gain as much education as I can to positively impact everything around me. My goal is to address important issues such as education, equality, and environmental protection. I truly believe that by advocating for others and using my voice for positive change, I can make a real difference in the world. Joining the KL-YES program is a fantastic opportunity for me to broaden my horizons and enhance my leadership skills. I am incredibly excited about the chance to learn and grow during this experience! I want you to know that I can sometimes be a little forgetful, especially when I’m in a rush. To manage this, I try to take my time in the mornings so I can start my day with a happy mindset. I love challenges and see this exchange program as a wonderful opportunity for personal growth. I am eager to learn about American culture and the educational system there. I also hope to share my Indonesian culture with you, including traditional clothing and delicious food. Although I’m not a master chef yet, I would absolutely love to learn cooking from you and try new recipes together! Through this exchange experience, I hope to gain many new insights into American society. I am curious about the differences in culture and education, i’m super excited to learn from them. I genuinely look forward to sharing my culture with you and making lasting memories together. I believe this exchange will help me grow as an individual and prepare me for the challenges in the future. Thank you so much for considering me as a member of your family. I am truly excited about the opportunity to meet you and embark on this incredible journey together. I can’t wait to share my experiences with you, learn from you, and create beautiful memories during my time with you. With all my heart, Sara