Dear Host Family, I am Maria, a girl full of enthusiasm and curiosity about the world around me. I was born in a small coastal town in the east of Spain. There are four of us in my house: my mother, my father and my brother, who is two years younger than me. I am very excited to finally write this letter that brings me closer to my dream. I hope I can convey my excitement to you and give you a clear idea of my personality and interests. Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved to explore different activities. Throughout my life I have done a lot of sports and recently I have resumed this habit. For example, I started running with my mother, who is very enthusiastic about running, and I now participate in her running club. I also take paddle tennis lessons with my friends. I consider myself to be quite an active person: as a family we often go on bike rides or visit mountains and natural places. I am especially active in the summer because I love the beach and water sports like paddle surfing and snorkeling. There isn't a day that goes by that my friend and I don't go to the ocean, either to paddleboard or to swim. The sea is my refuge, a place that gives me peace and tranquility. I always try to go to watch the sunrise or sunset, moments that I consider the most special of the day. I also have a great passion for music: I currently play the flute and take professional lessons, and thanks to these studies I have learned the basics of the piano. Finally, I love to cook and I am now often in charge of preparing dinner or lunch at home. I am very proud of my personality and the values that define me. I consider myself an empathetic, respectful person with a sense of humor. I love new experiences and getting to know different places. Although I have not had many opportunities to travel abroad with my family, my biggest dream has always been to explore the world and learn about the most fascinating cultures and traditions. I am grateful for my family, who support me unconditionally, and for my friends, who always bring me joy and positivity. I have learned to be selective with my friends and feel that I have a wonderful support group. I also cherish the teachings and values that my parents and family have instilled in me. Every moment lived with my loved ones - every laugh since I was a little girl, every story told by the elders of the family, every deep conversation and every family meal with a full table - has made the girl I am, full of little pieces of my loved ones, both those who accompany me day by day and those who are not, but are still present in me. Academically, I am a consistent and organized student, which allows me to achieve excellent results. I have even received a few awards for my performance. However, I manage to balance my studies with my free time and spending time with the people who are important to me. I also enjoy helping around the house and am always willing to lend a hand. I believe I can bring a positive and happy atmosphere to your home. I am sure that we will learn a lot from each other and that this experience will be enriching for all of us. I am very excited to begin this new phase of my life in the United States. I look forward to improving my English, immersing myself in your culture, trying new activities, and creating unforgettable memories with you. I look forward to meeting all of you, exploring new places, and learning every day. I look forward to sharing my joy, energy and willingness to help in any way I can. Thank you for your time and for giving me this opportunity. With much affection, Maria