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Name: Yiling Jiang
Host in: Oakland, California
Year: 2007-2008
It has been a while since I cam to America,
and I am so surprised that time flies so fast. I do have a
wonderful time here.
I think my host family is the nicest family
in the whole world. I always make a joke to my friends," I met
an angle family." I clearly remember the day that I arrive.
Although it was mid-night (the flight was a little delayed), my
host mum got up to welcome me and sent me to my room. I was
surprised to see the room full of my photos. They asked me to
email them more photos of me before I came here and printed it
out and put them in pretty frames. And there was a map of this
area, some magazine and a cup of chocolate in my desk, a box of
candy and a glass of water with ice beside my bed. It was so
touching. I feel at home. And I feel I��m the member of this
family.
My host parents are so
considerate. They always think they can do more for me to make
me feel at home. So, they kept asking me if I need something or
if I have any question. And they care about what kind of food I
would like. When they do the grocery they would ask me if I want
something. And we went out for dinner very often. When we went
to a restaurant, my host mum and dad always remember to help me
read the menu. They are so nice. And these days, they sent me a
heater in addition (they know I��m easy feeling cold).
They are patient, too.
I��m not good at driving. To them, that��s very important. And
they kept driving with my everyday for the whole month. When I
did something not nice, like I changed lane so
abruptly, they would make a joke about
that. It makes me feel better and not nervous about driving.
Very soon, I got my driving license in MI. They also show their
patient in telling and teaching me how to do the work better
from time to time.
As
for the kids, they are really love. One is a two-and-half girl,
and the other is a four-and-half boy. I love them very much.
Although, sometimes, they screamed and cried and said, ��I don��t
want Yiling.�� or ��Go away.�� I had a very hard time at first, but
when they smiled to me and said ��I love you��, I was so pleased.
We are having a great time together. If they have no school, we
went to the park, library, museum, and zoo or stayed at home
playing toys or do art project together. I should tell you how
creative they are. They helped me do some Halloween costume! I
was a pirate!
And
we hunted out for ��trick or treat�� together. It was really
funny. I��m now trying to teach them Mandarin. It��s not easy. At
first, they would say,�� If you want to play with us, we must
talk it in English.�� But we are making a difference! They can
count in Mandarin to ten. And they found it funny learning
Mandarin. They always ask me how to say ��XX�� in Mandarin.
We
traveled a lot. We have been to Chicago, north of Michigan and
we are going to Florida at Christmas time. I can not use my
words to describe how pretty
up north is. The trees are colorful and bright. I even can not
believe my eyes. And the Lake Michigan looks like ocean. It is
huge. And it is so clear. I can not stop going close to it,
touching it by my hands, feet or the whole body.
Every part of America is different from others. So it��s good for
me to see more places in America. At weekends, I go out with my
friends to do some shopping or go to the some big park or beach.
America is full of arts and music things. You will always find
something to do at weekends, such as some music festival or art
gallery. Actually,
I��m busier at weekends.
As
for study, I��m now studying in Oakland Community College. I took
small business management. At first, I was a little worried
about it. I was afraid I can not catch up the class. And I read
the text book before I went to school every week. It does help
me. So, it was not so difficult. And the test here is a little
easier than the one China. Most tests are multiple choices (Here
they call it multiple guessJ)
We have a
warm-hearted counselor who is always willing to help us when we
need. She helped us with applying for social security
card, registration of school and driving license. And she
arranged our Au pair activities and meetings from time to time.
The most amazing thing is that she always can get the cheapest
ticket for sport games and shows for us. And she helped us make
more friends here. She is so great!
I have some other people
I would like to mention here��my host grandparents. They live
nearby us. Grandpa knows I love arts. He is good at painting. He
provided me lots of pastels and drawing paper. I��m now
practicing with these art supplies. And Grandma who is from
England, she is so gentle and polite. I love the pretty white
table cloth and the way she arrange spoons, forks and knives
when we had dinner in
It is the most fantastic
year in my life. Thanks to Au pair in America who has given me
such a nice program. I think the most important thing you should
do before you come here is to find the suitable family for you.
So communicate with your future host family as more as you can.
It will be easy for you to work and live together. And it makes
you a successful year. That was what we did before I came here.
Good luck!
If you have any problem,
feel free to contact with me.
Email:
[email protected]
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