YURIY, 25 JAHRE

My name is Yuriy Salud. I am 19 and I live in Lleida, Catalonia (Spain), with my parents and my 2 little dogs. Though I had been born in Ukraine, I was adopted when I was 2, so I do not really know or remember anything about it. That is why it is just a curious fact from my early childhood.

I have always studied here in my hometown. I went to the High School and then I did the baccalaureate. All together with Music Studies at Music Conservatory, in Lleida, where I finished the Professional Grade, which leads directly to the Superior Studies. I have been also studying English for all of my life, that is why I began to study a degree in English Studies this year at the University.

I have always loved to travel, and I have been lucky to have had the possibility to go to the UK, France, Italy, and, of course, all around my home country. Traveling is one of the reasons for which I really look forward to working as an au pair, due to the chance of seeing new cultures, places and meeting new people while living other brand new experiences while working.

As I mentioned before, I have been surrounded by music and English for all of my life. That is why I have learned to play the oboe, the piano, the guitar, and, just a bit, the drums. I also love to sing and do some songwriting. Of course, I also love having some time to listen to music and going to concerts. I love listening to Classic Rock, Blues, Country, Folk or Jazz, though I also like listening to a big other range of different styles. Apart from official studies, I have always tried to improve my English by myself, listening to music, lyrics, watching films and series in English and, of course, by speaking in English. But I have also introduced myself to the world of acting, doing some musicals, such as Grease, Legally Blonde, or Sister Act. I also enjoy other creative stuff, like creative writing, crafting or drawing.

Talking about experience with children, I have been through some summer camps in which I had taken care of children. At the same time, I have always helped with looking after my little cousins when needed, so I have no problem at all with it, and I really enjoy it.

The fact that I have been studying all my life, compulsory studies, the professional music grade, and the all the English courses, has driven me to a feeling of a kind of lack of new fresh experiences, which I would not find if I go directly on to my studies at the university. That is why I decided to take some time off from it. Having some of my little hobbies, like traveling, learning from new cultures, and having time to work on my music. So I came up with the idea of doing all those things while working. Though I have never been Au Pair before, I have some experience looking after children. I am the oldest of my cousins, so I have taken much part caring of them when my family required it. I have never had any problem looking after them. I always enjoy playing with them in any outdoor activity such sports or traveling, as well as indoor activities like crafting or Lego, music or drama activities. Apart from having fun, I am conscious of the fact that playing is not the only thing in taking care of children but helping them in the school or personal fields, helping and being with them.