Dear Host Family, my name is Fabia and first, I wanted to say thank you for hosting me for ten months. Doing the exchange year in the U.S.A has been my dream since when I was 10 years old and now I can't believe I’m writing this letter. I'm so grateful and excited, even though leaving my family might be challenging because I’m really close to them. I want to do this experience because I like to travel, but mostly because I’ve always been curious about how it would feel to live in another country with different cultures and habits. I’m looking forward to meeting you, and I hope you feel the same way about me. I think I’m a cheerful person and I love to make people laugh and feel good, and based on what my friends say about me, I’m funny. I’m kind and honest, and I believe these are important qualities. I’m open to new things and to embrace everything that comes with them. When I was little, I started swimming and horse riding, and I did them for about ten years, until I started high school; but I like to keep myself fit, so I do pilates at home. Unfortunately, I stopped riding for different reasons, but I would really like to start again because I miss being in contact with horses. One of the things I love the most are animals, that’s also why I liked that sport. I’ve always wanted a dog since when I was a kid, but my parents said no because they had a lot of work, and we didn’t have enough space for one. So, in the future I picture myself doing a job with animals: my dream is to work in the sea with dolphins and turtles and to explore the coral reef and everything that has to do with that world. I attend a scientific high school which is a bit challenging, but being with my friends make it easier. In my free time, when i’m not studying or doing homework, I love to read especially fantasy and romance books and I absolutely love listening to music: I’m a big Harry Styles fan and when I'm listening to his songs, I feel great. I also love One Direction, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift. Another thing I really love is Formula 1, a passion that I share with my brother and my dad, so during the F1 season every Sunday, we watch it together, which is great because I love my family and spending time with them. I have two siblings, a younger brother Gabrio with whom I have fun, and an older sister Emma, with whom I basically share everything because she is my best friend. With my dad, we usually watch sports, because he loves it, while with my mum we usually watch classic romance movies like Nothing Hill. With all my family we often go skiing, because I was lucky enough to learn when I was young, and it’s one of the things I love to do the most, even though I really suffer from the cold. Other times, we stay at home playing with a lot of board games and card games, that I would be happy to teach you. I would also be happy to share with you some typical Italian recipes that I think are delicious, like pasta, pizza and Tiramisù, and I’m curious to learn about your favorite recipies. In summer every Sunday and sometimes Saturdays too, me and my family go out in boat, because I live in a small island, so I have the chance to go to the sea whenever I want and that’s also why usually when it’s hot I’m every day at the beach with my friends and we also sometimes eat a pizza there and stay up until it’s dark enough to see the stars. In winter it’s too cold to go to the beach, so we usually go to the cinema, go out for dinner, or have lunch right after school, but it doesn’t really matter what we’re doing or where we’re going because if I am with them, I always have fun. This summer I was lucky enough to to volunteer as an entertainer in a summer camp in my hometown, and I had the opportunity to bond more with people that I’ve always knew, but never been friends with. I hope I will be able to build with you a beautiful and long lasting bond, because I would really like to feel part of your family and to have the chance to feel at home despite being far away from my house and my family. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to live my dream. Love, Fabia