Dear Host Family,

My name is Chiara, I am 16 years old, and I live in a small town in the north of Italy. I love living here because it is a very quiet place, and I have my friends whom I have known since I was little. I am in my third year of high school, studying applied sciences, which was truly a great choice, especially because it includes the subjects I am most passionate about: physics and chemistry.

I live with my mom, who works at a bank, and my dad, who is an IT specialist. They are amazing people and wonderful parents who have always provided me with everything I need. I also have an older brother, Matteo, who is now 20 years old. I am very close to him, even though there are times when we don’t talk or argue. That’s why I would love to have a host sibling in America too, if possible!

I love animals, especially dogs and cats. I think they can understand you and keep you company even more than humans. Here in Italy, I have a big and beautiful red cat, Birillo, who is quite old now. If I could have a pet in America, especially a dog, it would be amazing!

I like to keep myself busy; I hate wasting time doing nothing. I have tried many sports since I was a child, and I have always enjoyed them. I consider myself a very sporty person. When I first tried basketball, I immediately fell in love with it. I have been playing for 6-7 years now, training four times a week and playing two games on the weekends. Being able to practice sports, especially basketball, would be my only and most important request—without it, I would feel lost.

Another thing I am very passionate about, since I am a very curious person, is traveling and discovering new places. Since I was a child, I have been lucky enough to visit different parts of the world and see places that leave a lasting impression.

My typical day starts at 6:20 AM when I wake up and get ready for school. I usually take the bus or go by car. I have six hours of classes, so I finish at 1:30 PM, take the bus back home, and have lunch around 2:30 PM. In the afternoon, I study or, if I don’t have any commitments, I go out with my friends. Then I get ready for practice, and even if I come home late, I always try to keep up with everything. In the evening, if I have time, I watch a movie with my family. During the weekends, I am almost always busy with basketball, but I still find time to study, keep up with school, and spend time with my friends. We usually hang out in my town or go to events.

Talking about myself, I am a very generous and determined person when it comes to achieving my goals, and I definitely don’t give up at the first obstacle. This also makes me quite stubborn—when I set my mind on something, it is hard to change my opinion. At first, I am a bit shy, but once I get comfortable, it is hard to keep me quiet! I am very mature and responsible, and people can always count on me. If I have a problem, I like to handle it on my own, but I always appreciate those who offer their help. One of my weaknesses is that I struggle to express my feelings; when I feel sad or down, I tend to shut myself off and not talk to anyone until it passes, but I’m working on improving this.

I am really looking forward to this experience and to meeting you!