Dear future host family,

I’m Margherita and I live with my mom, my dad and my brother Lorenzo. My mom works in school canteens and is also a yoga instructor. I always tell her everything about my life and she’s always open to listen and understand me. My dad on the other hand, works for a company that keeps him busy until 6 p.m., so I don’t see him as much as my mom, but I always try to spend as much time with them as I can. As for my older brother, I’ve never had a very close relationship with him because of the 8-year age gap between us. It’s a shame because we’re actually very similar, but we’re growing closer and closer as the years go by. I also have a sister named Martina, who is 29 years old but she’s never lived with me.

I also have a dog named Luna, a golden retriever who loves cuddles and playing, and two cats, Bigio and Minù.

I have a great relationship with my parents and they’re more permissive than any other parent. However, it took me a few years to gain their trust but nowadays they don’t have any reason to worry about me. From them I have learned the importance of family and love, we’ve always been a united but also reserved family and it’s wonderful to have parents who love and complement each other, especially knowing so many people who have been affected by their parents’ divorce. I think this has had a big influence on the person I am today and I’m truly grateful for it!

I’m a cheerful and outgoing girl, and I have no trouble making new friends, I’m able to adapt to the different situations around me, and I do it very quickly. I have a strong personality, which sometimes leads to disagreements with the people around me, but I’m mature enough to apologize and admit when I’m wrong. I’m also very kind to the people I love and I’m always willing to help them through tough times, often putting their needs and feelings before my own, and that can sometimes be a weakness of mine. I love sharing stories about things that happen to me, but I find it hard to open up on a deeper level and talk about my emotions and thoughts, no one really knows what’s going on in my head. Those who listen to my stories often struggle to keep up because I talk a lot, going into detail and getting sidetracked. I consider myself an intelligent and strong person, but I’m also very sensitive deep down. I’m altruistic, caring and respectful towards the people I have to deal with, and I expect to be treated the same way in return. I’ll admit I am quite messy and I’m late sometimes, but I promise I’ll do my best to keep my room clean and respect schedules. I might be a little shy at first, but once you get to know me, I’m confident you’ll appreciate me!!

I’m very passionate about the world of beauty in general. I love doing makeup and hair and nails, on me and my friends who often come to me when they want to feel pretty. I do my own nails, they allow me to express my artistic side. I also love drawing and I consider myself talented, which is why I chose to attend Arts school, it gives me a unique perspective on the world that others might not have. I like learning new things in school which is why I do the best I can!

I’m not picky with food, I like almost everything. If I had to make a list of my favorite foods, it would include salad, cheese, fruit, meat, pasta and unfortunately, junk food, which I love a bit too much.

My favorite holiday is definitely Christmas, and it’s the only real family tradition we have, I love the cozy atmosphere it creates. Decorating the tree, receiving gifts, doing the Christmas’ eve dinner and Christmas lunch, and as the Italian saying goes “A Natale siamo tutti più buoni” which means “At Christmas, we’re all a little kinder”.

From this experience, I hope to improve my English skills, discover different cultural perspectives and gain a more open view of the world, something different from the reality I’m used to every day. I look forward to building new relationships, meet new people, and living the American dream everyone talks about, while stepping away from my usual routine. I’m a bit nervous about this journey and about leaving behind my life here and the people I love, but I’m also very optimistic and excited. I think it’s essential to spend time away from home, take risks, and explore the world out there.

Maybe I’ve gone on for too long (as always), but I hope y’all appreciate this letter and the effort I’ve put into it. I can’t wait to meet you and start this new adventure.