Dear Host family, My name is Melissa. I’d like to thank you for hosting me. I believe this program will be an important experience that will enable me to learn more about a new and different world and culture. I think this experience will allow me to learn and improve how to relate and interact with new people in a new environment and community. I’m a very open person and I enjoy meeting new people and spending time with them. My friends would describe me as very empathetic, kind and fun. I enjoy connecting with people, listening to their stories, and helping them out whenever I can. In my free time I enjoy watching movies and TV series in English and other languages I’m currently studying at school. I also like hanging out with friends, eating something with them and going to the cinema. When I’m not with my friends, I enjoy reading a good crime novel or watching mystery or adventure movies- I’m also a big fan of “Stranger things”- since I was a child. Do you like it too? What do you like to do in your free time? In general, I have quite an active lifestyle: I practice sport and I take my dog for a walk every day. Do you like baking? Because I love it - I usually cook typical Italian dishes, which I would be happy to cook and share with you… Do you like Italian cuisine? I would be happy to cook something for you! At the same time, I am also very curious to try new foods and flavors and why not, cook them with you. I am sporty person. When I was a child, I used to have boxing lessons and I did judo for eight years, and for the past three years I’ve taken up karate. My goal at the new school in US will be to try and practice new sports. I’m attending a language high school where the main subjects are English, French, Spanish and Literature. My teachers have all been encouraging me to take this opportunity. I believe that this experience will be rewarding for me, and I’ll make new friends as well. In my new school, I look forward to discovering new subjects and learning approaches. My father Stefano works for a multinational company that operates in the automotive field, as a sales director. My mother, Veronica, works in a small company close to where we live as the head of administration team. I’m also very fortunate to live next door to my great grandmother - she’s 85 - I’m very fond of her because she’s funny, very kind and cute and she bakes pizza and delicious food, which we eat together once a week. My other grandparents live not far from my city, and I see them regularly. Finally, there are my two pets, a dog and cat - they are very important to me because I grew up with them. We are a very close family that enjoys doing lot of things together, for example, travelling, playing boardgames, watching movies and dining out. One thing I like about my family is that we are very honest with each other, I can tell them anything about my life. I’m always ready to ask for help when I need it, and I know they will always be there for me in challenging times. I can’t wait to meet with all of you and experience this journey together as a real member of your family. I hopw to make great memories that will last. I’m ready to build a real connection with you and earn your trust, day by day. Dear host family, by welcoming me into your home, you’re honestly making my dream come true. Many thanks, Melissa