My name is Manuel, and I am a high school AFS Exchange Student from Italy.

This year, I was hosted by the Koplins. As I think about heading home this June, I want to thank my entire host family, but especially my host mom, Cindy.

She is a really thoughtful person and everybody loves her. Throughout this whole year she helped me a lot and supported me in my choices and challenges. She would always make me coffee when I had morning practice or give me a snack after school because she knows that my lunch time is different from the one at school. She would let me watch my soccer team’s games in her office. 

She always gave me the right advice and for this and much much more I’m happy you are my host mom and I appreciate everything you do for me, even if I don’t always tell you that.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

Love, Manuel

P.S. I came in the United States to discover a new culture, meet new people and discover myself. Being an exchange student has been the best thing that has happened to me so far. If you are thinking about being one, you should totally take risks and get out of your comfort zone. Go. Explore.

If you are interested in learning more about hosting an AFS exchange student like me this fall, visit afsusa.org/hostfamily, contact me at manu.spi@live.it or see our AFS Alaska webpage at http://www.afsusa.org/alaska/.