Dear host family,

First of all, thank you very much for taking the time to read this letter.

My name is Paul, my parents are Alexandra and Franck and I have an older brother aged 19.

My parents raised my brother and me with the essential values of sharing, curiosity, open-mindedness, tolerance, and the idea that hard work is the key to success. They always encouraged us to think that if we had a dream, it was up to us to give ourselves the means to make it come true.

If I have to tell you something about myself, which I don’t really like to do, I’ll use soccer terms. If I miss a penalty and we lose the game because of me (which has already happened), then next time, I will do everything I can to take the penalty away until I score and don’t miss any more penalties. I’m a hard worker, and I like to feel that my efforts are paying off. I’m always keen to learn and discover, whether through sports, culture, or languages. Every morning, before leaving for school, our father often tells us, “Have the desire to have the desire to learn.” This phrase has had a profound effect on me and has helped me develop over the years. I want to live without regret and seize every opportunity that comes my way. That’s why I want to move to the USA with a family: even if it’s scary at first, it’s an incredible life experience!

I’m currently at a private school ranked among the top lycées in France, which encourages me to do my best every day. I’m at the top of my class at the moment, and I hope this will continue. What I appreciate most about my family is that my parents always understand me and that I can count on them to listen and give me valuable advice.

However, I’m aware that I still need to improve in certain areas, particularly when it comes to managing my emotions because I’m a very sensitive person. Sometimes, I find it hard to control my feelings. I’m working on that.

An essential experience in my life goes back a few years when I was having difficulties at school. It was a difficult time because I couldn’t cope and felt trapped in a negative spiral. However, a discussion with my father on our bed opened my eyes. He shared his life experience with me, which profoundly impacted me. Without a doubt, that conversation changed me. Although it took time, it was thanks to that moment that I was able to evolve.

Now I feel mature, and I’m keen to discover a culture, a country, and people with experiences to offer me.

One of the most important things in my life is sports. I do bodybuilding, running, and tennis. I also played club and competitive soccer for many years. This has made me grow as a sportsman, but above all, as a person. The idea of surpassing oneself and becoming better every day fascinates and motivates me, and I love everything to do with competition.

I also enjoy playing online video games with my friends, and we usually get together every Friday evening to play together.

I’m also a big music fan. I like all styles of music and all languages. Music makes me smile, so whenever I get the chance, I listen to some music, whether with my friends, in the car with my family, or in my bedroom.

As far as nutrition is concerned, I’m open to all possible discoveries. But one thing I love most of all is that every Saturday lunchtime, my dad makes pasta, and the flavors change every week: it can be truffle, parmesan, or carbonara. As my father is of Italian origin, pasta is a significant part of our cooking. I’ve never eaten better pasta than the one he makes. I could try to cook some for you, but I make no promises 😉

Thank you so much for taking the time to read me. I look forward to meeting you as soon as possible !

Yours sincerely,

Paul