Hello, my name is Savanna. I am 15 years old (16 in April), and will be in 11th grade in the fall semester. I would have to describe myself as funny, outgoing, and caring. I love having fun, just like everyone else, but I also know when to work. I would say that I am outspoken. I never can resist a good debate. Some people say that I am an over-achiever, but I just like to do well. I am an advocate for breaking the stereotype, and I am athletic. This year I am applying for the Italian exchange.

Living in good ol’ West Virginia doesn’t do much for a person’s cultural diversity. Going to Italy would allow me to experience another culture, and help me broaden my views towards the world and other people. I want to learn about how people live outside of America . By going to Italy , I would be able to experience this first hand, and observe how others view us. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I would love to experience. Traveling abroad would be a learning lesson that lasts a lifetime.

If I were selected to participate in the exchange, I would be hosting. Since this is the case, I’m sure that you’d probably like to know a bit about my family and my home life. My mother’s name is Heidi. She is my rock. We’re honestly best friends, and without her, well…. I wouldn’t be here! (Ha! ha! ha!) My father’s name is James, but everyone calls him Adam. Then, there’s my brother, Jacob. He’s 3 years old. He’s my little man, I love him so much. He’s very outgoing, like myself, and is very interested in other people.

My house is the perfect size for my family. It has three bedrooms, but unfortunately, only one bathroom. This usually not a problem though. If I were selected, my Italian exchange student would have my room. We live about ½ miles from the river. We have a pavilion on a nice river lot, but I never use it because I hate swimming in the river. My mom does smoke, but she usually smokes outside because my father, brother, and I all have asthma. So if smoking is necessary, it is allowed.

I have many interests, including soccer, band and best of all friends. One of my favorite things to do is get out on a field and play soccer. This is definitely my sport. I play soccer for Hampshire’s Varsity team as a starter, in the central defense position. I’ve been playing for about 6 years now, and all of my close friends play, too. Our team is struggling, but we never lose at having a great time.

Band is another huge part of my life. I’ve been playing the flute for about 7 years. This is my baby. I feel free when I play, and it just puts me in a totally relaxed mood. This may seem odd, but this is something that I feel is timeless. Making music is something that I treasure. I’ve worked very hard to accomplish all that I have. I sit first chair in Hampshire’s band, and I try to do all of the “extra” band stuff as well. I’ve went to All-State Band Competition, Region 9 Honor Band, Solo & Ensemble, and I play in the Potomac State College band.

In school, I always try my hardest. I keep a 4.0 GPA, average, and I hope to go to college and medical school to become an anesthesiologist. I also took 2 years of German, and hope to take at least two more years before graduating.

Friends, friends, friends! I love all of my friends so much. I have three very best friends, Tyler (Ler), James (Tarzan), and Brady (Beans). They call me Tater. Together we call ourselves the Fantastic Four. We do everything together.

Brady, out of all of them, is my “bestest” best friend. I love her so much. We’re together nearly every day, and have more fun together than any two people I know. She is so funny, and always knows how to cheer me up. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

In general, I have friends of all types. I love to make people laugh. Sometimes I may be a bit of a clown, but it’s all for a good time.

Being a part of this program would be such an honor. I would do all I could to learn, and make new friends, as well as teach the Italians about our culture. However, I do have one fear. That is, how will I pay for this trip? That’s why I have decided to apply for the scholarship.

Though I had only met Kaitlyn a few times, I could tell that she was a loving, genuine person. She seemed to light up the room, even if she wasn’t talking to you. I have to say, she was one of the nicest people I have ever met.

My father, Adam who works at B.W. Smith Well Drilling, is the hardest working person I know. Though we don’t have a ton of money, he does his best to provide for our family. Going to Italy on my own, would be a very difficult task, because I know that he would not be able to contribute as much as other parents can. If I could travel to Italy on Kaitlyn’s behalf, it would not only be a great honor, but a dream come true. This will probably be the only chance I will ever get to do something this momentous. So again, I would be so grateful receive this scholarship, and I would do everything in my power to live up to Kaitlyn’s expectations.