Dear Family,

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. My name is Filippo, I’m 16 years old, and I live in a cozy apartment in northern Italy with my mum, dad, and younger sister, Camilla. During the weekdays, my sister and I are busy with our studies while my parents are focused on work, so it can be challenging to spend quality time together. However, we always make the most of our weekends and holidays, whether it’s visiting the shopping center or traveling to our beach house in Genoa to see our extended family.

I consider myself an extroverted and adaptable person, which helps me easily connect with new people and make friends. Of course, occasional disagreements happen, but I always try to reconcile quickly. While I can be a bit strong-willed at times, I’m open to admitting when I’m wrong and learning from the situation.

Spending time with friends and family is something I truly enjoy. I also have a passion for sports—tennis has been a big part of my life since I was six, and I’ve played volleyball at school for the past couple of years. Recently, I started going to the gym, and I appreciate how sports challenge me physically and mentally while fostering camaraderie. Watching sports events is another interest of mine, especially motorsports, as I’ve always been a “car guy.” Lately, I’ve also started watching the NFL, which has been a fun new experience. Cooking is another hobby I enjoy. Although I’m not an expert, I love experimenting with new recipes, and it’s always rewarding when they turn out well. Pizza is my all-time favorite food, closely followed by pasta with pesto and a good hamburger.

Christmas is my favorite holiday because it brings our extended family together. We play board games, enjoy a big meal, and catch up on each other’s lives. In the summer, we often host barbecues with friends, where everyone brings something to cook, and we enjoy the cooler evening air together.

Through this experience, I hope to become fluent in English and immerse myself in American culture. I am excited to see what daily life in another country feels like and view this as a challenge to adapt and grow in a completely new environment.

Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude for considering me as part of your family. I truly appreciate the kindness and openness it takes to host someone from another culture, and I am looking forward to the memories we’ll create together.

Thank you again for this incredible opportunity.