Dear Family, My name is J., I am 16 years old, and by the time of my departure, I will be 17. I’ve always been a rather insecure girl, but my determination has always helped me overcome difficulties. I have a strong personality, and I’m often considered the “pillar” of my group of friends. I’m very empathetic and always try to be kind to everyone. Additionally, I have a cheerful and fun-loving side: it’s hard to get bored when you’re with me! I love traveling and meeting new people, and I’m quite good at integrating into pre-established groups. For me, friendship is essential because I firmly believe that having true friends is one of the most important things in life. I live in central Italy, close to my school, with my family, who are a fundamental point of reference for me. I have a special bond with my mom, the person I trust the most. I see her as a role model for her strength and determination. My dad has a personality different from mine, but over time we’ve found ways to understand each other and have fun together, even engaging in thrilling activities like skydiving! My younger sister is 12 years old, and since she’s younger, I try to be a positive example for her. I can’t wait for her to grow up so we can share more interests and strengthen the bond we already have. Completing our family are my two cats, whom I consider true members of the household. I believe animals have a pure and special soul, sometimes even more so than people. I am in my third year of a scientific high school with a Cambridge curriculum, so my main subjects are math, physics, and science, along with a significant focus on English. In fact, I study some subjects (such as math, physics, and geography) directly in English. One unique aspect of my school is that every year we organize a study trip to England, where we live for a week with host families. During the mornings, we attend school, while in the afternoons, we engage in various cultural and recreational activities. These experiences have given me a glimpse of what life abroad could be like and have helped prepare me for what lies ahead. My favorite subject is math because it comes naturally to me, and I enjoy reasoning and solving problems. I also love English because I see it as essential for the future and for communicating with the world. On the other hand, I find Latin difficult and not very useful for me. In general, I think the Italian school system can be a rather toxic environment: teachers are often not empathetic, and effective communication with students is lacking, making the atmosphere heavy over time. I’ve also been playing volleyball for five years, a sport that has taught me the value of teamwork and commitment. I love the collaboration it requires and the way it helps you grow, not just physically but also personally. During the week, I wake up every morning at 6:40, and around 7:50, my mom drives me to school. Classes start at 8:00 and end at 2:00 PM. Once I get home on foot, I prepare lunch for myself and my little sister. After lunch, I dedicate myself to studying. Three times a week, at 6:30 PM, I have volleyball practice, while on other days, I stay home and continue studying. On weekends, I allow myself a bit of rest: I wake up around 10:00 AM and spend most of the day studying, but I reserve the evenings for going out and spending time with my friends. I am very excited about embarking on this new adventure and getting to know you. I can’t wait to discover your culture, try traditional dishes, visit new places, and learn new habits. I’m ready to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone, and live an experience that I’m sure will change my life for the better. Thank you for the opportunity you are giving me: I’m confident we will create unforgettable memories together. See you soon, J.