Notes

Dear Future Host Family,

First, I would like to thank you for your interest in me becoming a member of your family. I would like to describe myself in a way that you know who I am. My name is Sabina, I'm 18 years old, and I'm from Poland. I would describe myself as an ambitious, energetic person with a sense of humor who is also a polite, patient, and sincere lady. I can listen to others and if they have a problem or just want to talk, I won’t avoid them. I love taking challenges. I’ve had a few challenges in my life, some serious, which I've been able to manage and eventually overcome. Over time, my challenges provided me with the experience necessary to become a person who is responsible for their actions as well as their life and others'.

I have two older sisters, both of whom finished college. My Father helps my Mom at work and he likes gardening. My Mother works at a laboratory where she puts her heart into her work. I'm preparing for my last year of high school. I do a lot of studying and I specifically aspire to study in the United States. However, I'm not sure of which direction to take. I think that the Au Pair program gives me a chance to grow; encountering different perspectives, improving my English, making new friends, gaining more experience, and of course being part of a family.

I live in Opole. It is not as large as Warsaw (our capital), but Opole has its own charm. Opole is called '' the capital of Polish song.'' And just for the sake of music and passion, which my parents noticed in me, I went to a music school where I learned to play piano. Along with cooking, I would also say that I can be a "foodie". To be honest, I love eating! Trying different flavors, new recipes, pastries, ohh! A few years ago, if someone asked me to cook a meal, I would say no. But as time passed I looked at things differently; baking, cooking, and trying new recipes are not so grueling. It's a fun activity were you really do taste the the fruit of your labor.

Food and music are not the only things I enjoy doing, I also like sports. What do sports mean to me? I was once too lazy to go outside or think about exercise; this disinterest, like my views on cooking, changed. I once thought sports were boring, now I see exercise as a challenge that, when overcome, gives you the satisfaction of knowing what you can do and that there is much more ability inside you than you think. Although I can’t name all the teams or players, I like watching the NBA. Something fascinates me in this game and I am quite able to describe what it is.

I am slowly becoming a 'traveler'; someone who likes discovering new cultures. I don’t travel every day, but in discovering new cities like New York, countries like Morocco, the Czech Republic and France I've seen a diversity and a newness; the opposite of my little Opole. I like reading interesting facts about the United States and its history. On the surface the United States seems like a young country, but peel past the layers and you learn that the United States has the world's oldest ruling document and one of the oldest continuous governments. It's very enjoyable to learn about things like this. My friends and family would say I'm crazy about United States - perhaps they're not wrong, I won’t deny it ; -)

One important thing that I like doing is helping. I help several people learn the Polish language. Some started from scratch and some are only brushing up their Polish. Maybe I'm not the best teacher in the world, but I try to help people who really need it. I'm glad that they can count on me and I can count on them.

I love spending time with children; singing songs together, playing, reading books with them, and helping them developing their imagination. Cuddling with kids when they are sad, answering their questions (which sometimes surprisingly difficult), and just being with them. When I see their smile, their joy .. it motivates me to continue being their teacher, their friend, and someone they can count on.

My experience as a babysitter began when I wondered what I could do to help not only myself but also others. When I found out that an elementary school needed a person to spend time with the children aged, play with them, and do homework with them, I signed up! At this elementary school I worked with 7-9 year old children. During summer I decided to volunteer at a kindergarten. I've specifically enjoyed having more responsibilities at this position and being involved with organizing activities, playing with the kids, and educational assistance. I've worked with children aged 4-6; an important and sensitive time for child development. In August, on weekends, I looked after a 5 year old boy named Jaś who is very wise, kind, and loved.

I wouldn’t be myself if not for my family. They have given me moral principles, love, self-confidence and many other important things. I realize that children are a treasure, which you need to take care of. And time spent with children is important; you have to use all of your heart and all of yourself . My mother often calls me, her "little treasure". When she speaks to me like that, I know I'm safe and I know I can count on her. I want you and your "treasure" to also be able to trust and depend on me.

I want you to know that I don’t consider this program as an opportunity to have fun, but as an opportunity, which I don’t intend to waste. I want us, together, to be a family where everyone can feel safe and everyone knows that we can count on each other. I don’t want to be an Au Pair only during schedules hours, but I'm happy to spend time with the family.

Let's create a great, harmonious team!

Warm wishes,
Sabina