Why I wish to be part of the Italian Exchange.  Living in the Hill’s of West Virginia , there is not much cultural diversity.  I constantly try to learn about other cultures and countries.  I wish to be more understanding, not tolerant, because being tolerant won’t help solve any problems in this county or others.  One must be able to understand, except and experience others. 

     In my home life, there is not much to do, so I’m not very content on everyday life. I wish to explore, live and experience the world, outside this small town that I live in.  My parents encourage me to learn as much as possible and I see this as a chance to honestly make my best effort to.  In my foreign language class we’re taught about the culture in Europe , I may not be able to speak the language very well, but I keep taking the course. It keeps perking my interest about other lands. 

     I live with both my parents. My father has had the same job since he was 18, and he coming up on retirement in about 5 years.  My mother I can rely on her when ever I need any type of help.  I have a friend that lives with me for over 3 years he lived here and he is part of my family, I see him as a brother.  I have another brother that is in the army over seas. He has seen much of the world, and brings me back souvenirs; that make me wish I could be there. He is the main person that raised me, spent most my time with.  One of my sisters is a pharmacist.  The other one is an EMT.  My family is pretty tight there is rarely ever a dispute.   

     In my free time, I play football for Hampshire High School .  I signed up for track for this spring.  When I can and not busy with homework I go to weight training.  I play video games in my leisure time.  I listen to lots of music mostly heavy metal and some alternative rock. My favorite music group is KoRn.  When I watch T.V. I rarely watch shows I prefer movies either comedy or horror.  I enjoy reading; my favorite book is Ender’s Game.  My favorite activity to do is to shoot pool.  I enjoy the mental game in it. 

     A few things dislike, I really don’t like how in society it is all in whom you know. It’s unfair to the common person which this society is suppose to be for.  I think everyone is just as good as the next.  I think it’s wrong to idolize people, because it’s not being yourself. Probably one of the things I dislike the most is people not being responsible for one’s actions. 

     These are my thoughts above all.  This is my one of my first big opportunity to vastly increase my knowledge

 of the world.  I feel if I can increase my knowledge of the world that I can grow as a person. I think being part

 of the Italian Exchange will be a new starting point for me as a citizen.  Making new friends that will last a

lifetime.  The biggest thing over all is learning more about life.