MARIAN, 25 YEARS

Dear Future Host Family, I'd like to start by thanking you for your interest in my application. I'm Marian, and I was born in the Philippines on July 29, 1998. I'm 24 years old. I am the eldest daughter of Mariano Arias (chef) and Gie Arias (cashier). I have two siblings, namely Gezette Marie Arias, 22, and Gean Necole Arias, 13. I consider myself to be a sincere, responsible, upbeat, and open-minded woman who enjoys learning about various cultures and people. I enjoy organizing events like weddings, birthdays, and the like. I love seeing people smile at their once-in-a-lifetime event after all of my careful planning and organization. I also love traveling through the Philippines and around the world. I have been caring for my youngest sister since she was born to support my mother, who also has obligations outside of our home. When my youngest sister was born, I was in charge of helping my mother care for her by giving our sister baths, ironing her clothes to prevent the spread of bacteria since her skin is so sensitive, and performing other duties. From the time she was a newborn until now that she is 13 years old, I was the one who looked after her. She rides with me to school, and I assist her with her homework. I also give her advice on what she should do properly while she is a teenager. Well, I can say that I have always been a responsible sister. In addition to my experience of childcare, I watched over my nephews and cousins (2–5 years old) when their parents were away. Given my reputation for responsibility, their parents feel safe leaving me in charge of their kids. I also act as my younger cousins’ (13-17 years old) best friend! My main reason for wanting to serve as an au pair in Europe is that I want to spend a year getting to know children. I love children. I like playing with them, taking care of them, and seeing their smiles. They were very innocent and cute. It makes me miss being a kid when all you have to worry about is what game you're going to play. Spending a whole year with your family will be a beautiful and formative experience for me because I've always wanted to travel and see Europe. Another reason I want to spend a year abroad is that I want to have a taste of other cultures, especially Dutch culture. I love picturesque scenery, and the Netherlands has a seemingly endless number of places I'd love to visit. Not to add my fantasy of riding a bike and admiring the scenery of windmills and tulips (which is my favorite flower). I find it difficult to express my affection for your nation and my desire to immerse myself in your culture. I wish you a wonderful day and appreciate you reading my dramas and taking the time to get to know me. I sincerely hope you will choose me to look after your kids and be the lucky pair that you will be choosing to be part of your beautiful family. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon! Sincerely, Marian Gee Arias