Hi, I’m Martha, and in my family, there are six of us: my mom, my dad, my older sister and brother, and my dog. My parents both work a lot—my mom is a doctor and my dad is an engineer—but I’m really grateful for all the opportunities they’ve given me to explore the world. For example, I spent two amazing summers at English language schools, and we often go on adventurous trips together. Some of my favorite travels have been to places like Greece, where the beaches were unforgettable, and Paris, which will always have a special place in my heart. But the most significant journey was when I went back to Ethiopia two years ago. It was my first time returning after many years, and it was incredibly emotional to reconnect with my roots, especially since I was born there.
With my family, I’ve always had a strong bond. My sister, who is 10 years older than me, has always been my rock. Since I was little, I was never far from her side, whether we were watching movies, playing board games, or unwrapping presents together at Christmas. Even now, she remains my role model and the person I turn to when I need guidance. My brother, who is seven years older than me, and I share a different kind of relationship. We don’t spend as much time together, but I know that he’s always there for me, ready to support me in any way he can, even though he’s not the type to express his affection with words. His actions speak louder than anything.
I also have a dog named Lady, and she’s been with me since forever. I’ve never known life without her, and we share a very special bond. I’ve always had a strong connection with animals, and every time I meet a dog or cat on the street, I can’t help but cuddle them with affection. My love for animals is something I deeply cherish.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, and trying new things. I’ve always been fascinated by learning new skills—like once, I stayed up all night trying to learn the sign language alphabet, or I even tried to master the language of Star Trek… However, my true passion is baking, especially making desserts. It’s my therapy. When I’m in the kitchen, I can forget all my worries, and I find peace. One of my favorite traditions is making tiramisù for my brother’s birthday, as it’s his favorite cake. I’ve made it so many times now that I could do it with my eyes closed!
Another sweet memory I cherish is of my grandmother. When we were in the mountains, we would make a special trip to a faraway supermarket to buy the best apple strudel ever. She loved it, and now I would love to learn how to make it myself as a way to keep that memory alive.
During this experience in the U.S., I hope to not only improve my English but also grow as a person. I want to challenge myself in a new environment and embrace the opportunities ahead
