Making the decision to come
to America and leaving everything that is familiar and known behind can be a
difficult yet very rewarding decision. Your year in America as an Aupair should
be one of those “WOW” moments in your life. You should be creating memories
that will live with you forever and stories from your year as an aupair only
get better as you get older. But in order for your year to be that “WOW” time in your life you need to arrive in
America with an open mind and an open heart.
Your new host family will
become like your own family, your American family. Being an aupair is difficult
because you are a family member and an employee and the lines can become very
blurred. You as an aupair are a very important part of this new family; your
responsibility is to take care of the most precious thing the family has, their
children! So the children are your number one priority but being a helpful
committed member of the family is also important. When your host parents arrive home with a car
full of groceries offer to help unload, (you eat the food too), after dinner
help clean up the kitchen and unload the dishwasher, it is the little things
that make all the difference. You the aupair and your host family are a team.
When you are not happy about something or disagree on an issue start up a
conversation. An aupair/ host family relationship is like any relationship (marriage,
friendship, siblings) it thrives and does well when both parties are heard and
respected. So don’t be afraid to speak
up. For many of you this is your first time living away from home, no mommy
around to clean up after you, do your laundry, and cook your food. It is a time
to grow up and see all the great things the world has to offer you. Keep an
open mind. Life in America is not like life in your home country that is why
you came here is it not? Life in an American family is not like your own family
that is why you came here to learn about another culture is it not? Open your heart and let the family in and
they will do the same.
Whether you live in Miami Beach,
Florida or San Francisco, California or Kansas City, Missouri there are always
things to do. I agree it may be easier to find something fun in San Francisco
but then again that is something a lot of people can say they did everyone goes
there. But when you live in a smaller community be it Des Moines, Iowa or Cleveland,
Ohio there are treasures there too, just look a little harder use the Internet,
google things. I bet you did not know that the outlaw Jesse James was born
close to St. Joseph Missouri or the beautiful covered bridges of Madison are in
southern Iowa. Do not wait for people,
entertainment to come to you go out and find it! You are young and free and have
all the energy and life ahead of you.
And lastly get to know your
fellow aupairs. You are in an amazing and rare situation, not only do you get
to learn about America and it is people and culture but you get to learn about
cultures and people from around the world. Get out of your comfort zone; if you
are Swedish get to know the Columbians. Speak to people who do not share your
same language so you can practice English. You may be surprised at how much
more you have in common than you have differences.
Your Aupair year is your time
to grow and to become the great adult you are meant to be. Remember to stay positive;
even when things are difficult, they will get better, I promise! My philosophy
is that the glass is always half full, a smile is met by a smile, laughter by
laughter…. life is too short to be sad and negative. Open your heart and Open
you mind.
With much love and caring
your Area Director
