Au Pair of the Year Essay - Second Place Winner

Anastasia Volkova from Russia

 

“Dad! Guess what! I am going to participate in the Au Pair USA program!”

Silence.

“Dad!!!”

Silence.

“Daaaad! Do you hear me?!”

I did not get any answer until I drove home from the city where I was still studying and getting my MD in Management. On the way home I was thinking about reasons that I should tell my father that made me choose this program. Language…Different culture…Never have been in the USA…I even had never flown before…Mmmm…What else? My thoughts were jumping in my head about why I was excited about this program.

When I came home my dad looked at me and asked never to joke like that again, especially during a phone call. “So, calm down and try to explain” I tried to tell myself.

My dad’s arguments were fantastic: “You do not speak English! Indeed, you speak perfect German! You just got job offer from Moscow Bank! You will graduate from university in one month! Au pair? Why?”

In three months my parents waved goodbye while I was sitting in my FIRST airplane on the long way to New York and imagining future relations with my host family, my classes, meeting with new people, NYC with yellow taxis, and so on. It was long way – long way filled with expectations.

Now I am an au pair for a second year in the same host family (probably here I can say my family). Three months ago I had my vacation and as a present for my 23d birthday I got airplane tickets to Russia from my new family. It was the trip of my dreams – to see my parents and to talk to my dad again about my decision. (This time it was about staying for second year).

Such arguments like opportunity to travel, new friends, studying new culture, learning new language, getting new family and siblings who make you feel the happiest in this world are important. However, how did it change my life?

Everything in our lives has its own prints on our destinies. Being involved with an autistic child I changed my attitude and view of life. My desire to be first class manager for international business company was replaced by wish to work for UNICEF (children’s fund in the UN). Going through all these difficulties and being at the same time far away from home I became tougher and stronger. Indeed, this program helped me to evaluate my family, my friends. We never know the value of water till the well is dry. Being so far away from mom, dad, brother, and friends helped me to realize their importance in my life.

Everything is possible. I can say it now. Willing to participate in this program I was learning English every evening after my classes in University by myself. Believe in yourself. All my difficulties and disappointments taught me never to give up. Patience and work will fray through anything. It is true too. Finding the key to the heart of J.J. (my cute, young, smart, talented autistic host brother) was not easy way and many times I closed the door in my room and cried because I was not able to help him. But I did not give up and now we are the best of friends.

My spirit was elevated many times but I will never forget this one: Elizabeth (my cute, amazing six years old host sister) asked our mom to adopt me because then I can stay with them for ever. I believe it is not necessary to describe my feeling at this moment.

“Why pumpkins are everywhere outside? What is “trick or treat”? Pumpkin pie? Yuck. I will never try this! Ice cream truck? A whole truck of ice cream? Is it possible? American sense of humor? Is it really funny? Are these people grandparents?“ I appreciate my patient parents who always answer all my weird questions. Now I love pumpkin pie. I buy ice cream from a small nice truck with pleasant music. Now I laugh with kids and parents about American jokes. Indeed, I became friends with many parents of my children’s peers even if they are older than me

In conclusion, I can say participating in au pair program sharpened not only my language and intellectual skills, social abilities, but also my character, my belief, and my personality.