DARYL, 24 ÅR

Dear Future Host Family, I hope you and your family are doing well. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I'm really happy to have the chance to introduce myself. My name is Daryl, but the people closest to me call me Dar or Dada. I am 24 years old and I came from Bohol, one of the beautiful island in the Philippines. If I were to describe myself, I would say that I am someone who enjoys getting to know people. I like listening to their stories and understanding where they're coming from. I don't always have the right words, but I always try to listen with an open heart. I think that's one of the reasons I've become patient and understanding. Every person I meet teaches me something new, they share values and lessons and that is one of the things I'm truly grateful about. When I have free time I usually enjoy simple things. I love reading because there's always something new to learn. I enjoy going to new places, taking photos, playing volleyball, and spending time outdoors. I really love quiet mornings and watching the sunrise or the sunset. They always give me a sense of peace. I'm not much of a movie person. I'd rather watch documentaries or travel and educational vlogs because I enjoy learning about different cultures and seeing the world through other people's experiences I came from a humble family. We are five in the family: my mother, my older sister, me, and my two younger brothers. My grandparents were also a big part of our lives. Since my siblings and I grew up without our biological father, they became our second parents and helped raise us while my mother worked away from home. My mother is a single parent who has sacrificed so much for us. She first worked outside the province and later became a domestic helper abroad up until now. It was never easy for her, but she chose to make that sacrifice so we could have a better future. I have always admired her strength, her hard work, and the love she has for our family. When my grandparents passed away, life changed for us. My mom was still working abroad, so my sister and I had to grow up a little faster than we expected. We helped raise our two younger brothers. We cooked for them, helped them with their school projects and made sure they were safe every day. Looking back, I didn't realize it then, but those moments taught me so much. Even though it wasn't always easy, I wouldn't trade those experiences because they helped shape the person I am today. Taking care of children has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. When my younger brothers were little, I helped take care of them every day. I prepared lugaw, a soft rice porridge that children in the Philippines often eat. I changed their diapers, helped bathe and dress them, played with them, and later taught them how to read, write, and practice good values. When I was in high school, I also had the chance to babysit my godmother's two young sons whenever she had errands to do. I still remember how full of energy they were. Some days were really tiring because toddlers are naturally curious and always on the move. It wasn't always easy, but I enjoyed being with them and learned to be more patient along the way. My godmother would also give me a little money for helping take care of her boys. It wasn't much, but it meant a lot because it helped with my school allowance. Later, during my fourth year in college, I had the opportunity to join our student teaching program where I taught in a real classroom for the first time. I was assigned to teach Grade 8 and Grade 10 students. Honestly, I was scared at first because I didn't know what to expect. Every day came with new challenges, but little by little, I became more confident. As I got to know my students, I realized that every child is different. They all learn in their own way, and I learned to meet them where they were. That experience made me love teaching even more because I saw how a little patience and encouragement could make a difference in a child's life. When I first heard about the au pair program, I immediately became interested because it brings together so many things that are close to my heart. I truly love being around children, and one thing I'm really excited about is learning how families in Europe raise and care for their children. I want to see the little things that make your daily life special and learn from the way you guide and nurture your kids. I also love learning about different cultures, and I want to experience life in another country by becoming part of your family, I want to learn your language, understand your values and traditions, and experience what everyday life is really like. At the same time, I would love to share my Filipino culture, traditions, and values with your family too. I think that's the beautiful part of being an au pair, we both get to learn from each other. For me, becoming an au pair is also a chance to grow. I want to become more independent, meet new people, experience life from a different perspective, travel to places I have never been, and continue learning from others. Honestly, I feel excited because I know this experience will take me out of my comfort zone. I don't know exactly what lies ahead, but I believe that's the beautiful part of it. I'm excited to see where this journey will take me, what it will teach me, and how it will help me grow into a better and stronger person. If you welcome me into your family, I will do my best to care for your children the same way I cared for my younger brothers and cousins. More than being your au pair, I hope to become someone your family can trust. I would love to share everyday moments with you, learn from each other and make memories that we will always remember. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and get to know me a little better. I truly appreciate it. I hope we'll have the chance to meet and get to know each other if I'm given the opportunity to become part of your family. Have a wonderful day and take care! Sincerely, Dar