Dear Host Family: To start this letter, I would like to thank you for choosing me and accepting me into your family, and also for allowing me to have a great year. My name is Maria Paz, I am 15 years old, and I am Chilean. I consider myself a dedicated person who doesn't like to give up, is responsible, and strives to excel in what I do. I am also quite sensitive, as well as cheerful. At school, I do very well; I have good grades, am responsible with my homework, and have a good relationship with my classmates and teachers. I really enjoy playing handball; I play 4 times a week—3 times at school and once outside of school. I’m lucky to have a team that I really like. A few years ago, I did gymnastics and would love to return to it, and I feel that this would be the perfect opportunity. I hope I can practice handball and artistic gymnastics while I am in the United States. I would also like to try new things, such as cheerleading. Another thing I enjoy is cooking. I love being able to cook delicious things and then enjoy them with the people I care about. "Mamma Mia" is my favorite movie so far, and "Modern Family" is my favorite TV show. I really enjoy listening to music, usually Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift. I love hanging out with my friends, going to the mall, or even getting together to play board games. My father is an engineer and is in charge of the food plant at Agrosuper. My mother is a primary school teacher, teaching history and science. I have 4 siblings: 2 sisters, Magdalena and Maite, and 2 brothers, Matias and Martin. Maite and Martin are twins, and they are 2 years younger than me. Magdalena and I are 3 and a half years apart, and she is older than me. Matias and I have an 11-year age difference, with him being the older. We are a very close family; we support each other in everything and are there for each other when needed. I want to do this exchange because I want to learn what life is like in the United States, get to know new places and new people, and of course, continue improving my English. My two older siblings got the chance to do this, so I got motivated to do it too, and I am very excited! Regards, Maria Paz