Dear Host Family, My name is Mascha, and I am so excited about the opportunity to live with you and learn about your family, traditions, and everyday life in the U.S. A little about me: I’m a very curious, emotional, open-minded, and positive person. Although I sometimes tend to stress myself too much and overthink some things but that’s something I want to work on. I love to dance, play tennis, and listen to music – it makes me really happy and relaxed. I also enjoy being creative, for example by editing videos. I enjoy spending time with friends, laughing, talking about anything and everything, and just living in the moment. I enjoy helping people, and seeing them happy makes me happy too. My friends often say that I’m really good at comforting others, also a thing about me is I love, love, love hugs! I am a bit shy at first, but I warm up quickly once I get to know people. Trust me, then I lowkey won't stop talking. I also have a dog, and I love her very much. She always finds a way to make me happy. I have no allergies and I love animals (no spiders tho). I’m really looking forward to getting to know the U.S. school life and just how high school really works. Let's see what the truth is behind all those movies, right? I believe it’s better to take chances than to live with regrets. That’s why I’m doing this exchange – because be scared and do it anyway. I know it’s going to be an amazing experience, and I’m excited to grow and learn. With you by my side. My family at home is very important to me. We are close, and even small moments together mean a lot – like cooking, watching movies, or just talking in the evenings. I love them very much, and leaving them for a year will be hard, but I hope to find a second family with you. I want to grow, create a home in another country and build lasting connections. I’m really looking forward to experiencing real American life like the holidays (I'm so curious about all the halloween decorations and about thanks giving food!), weekend activities, and traditions. I’d love to share some German culture with you too, like cooking traditional German meals together or telling you how we celebrate holidays. I hope we can do fun things together as a family, go on trips, and enjoy each other’s company. Maybe even watch a football or baseball game, if you’re up for that! Thank you so much for considering me. I can't wait to meet you, get to know you and become a part of your family. I'm so eager for us to share experiences that I will cherish forever. Warm regards, Mascha