AMANDA, 30 YEARS

My name is Amanda and I am a 27-year-old currently living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Although I am currently residing in my hometown, I spent almost six years living abroad, having lived in the United States for college (Baltimore and Washington, D.C.) and completing a study abroad program in Copenhagen, Denmark. My degrees are in Literature and Psychology, but at the time I am a fifth-grade teacher at a small private school here in the Dominican Republic.

I would love to become an Au Pair because it feels like an amazing opportunity to see the world that allows me to make the most out of my skillset. I am very comfortable around children, both due to my big, rambunctious family (I am the sixth of seven children and have nine nieces and nephews!) and my job as a fifth-grade teacher. I love to make the most out of the time I spend with my students, and I always try to achieve a balanced mix between learning and fun! Whether it is using Pictionary to teach vocabulary or working on posters discussing their favorite reptile, I'm the type of teacher who encourages their students to question the world around them. I am spontaneous, easygoing, and very quick on my feet: As your Au Pair, I will encourage your children to fall in love with learning!

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures. I have been very fortunate to travel extensively, visiting places such as Italy, Russia, and Mexico. I am a firm believer that there is something to be appreciated from every single place you visit, whether it is the magnificent architecture found in St. Petersburg or the smooth taste of freshly-caught salmon in Helsinki. I also enjoy being out in nature, for both hiking and writing. There is nothing like stepping out of a tent first thing in the morning, pen and notebook in hand! Last but not least, I greatly enjoy spending time in the kitchen: I enjoy both cooking and baking (I make an awesome cheesecake!), and love to spend my free time researching new, different recipes to further expand my skills.

After my time as an Au Pair, I would like to continue my studies and pursue a Masters' in Psychology. My ultimate goal is to become a researcher specializing in eating disorders among teenagers. This is a field that has always been near and dear to my heart, and I look forward to assisting young people struggling with disordered eating. I also hope to finish writing my first book in the near future, a collection of non-fiction short stories.