Life in the U.S. / Thank You Thursdays

Thank You Thursday – Carla from Spain

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To celebrate the first Thursday of the year, we want to share a special Thank You letter written by Carla from Spain, who expresses her gratitude to her host family, who greeted her with open arms and warm smiles. As Carla reflects on her experience, she is filled with appreciation for the kindness and support that she has received. She reminisces the initial excitement when she heard the news that she was placed in Oregon for the 2023-24 school year! To make the most of her experience, Carla also joined the dance team, which gave her a sense of community and friends!

Carla (left) and her host family enjoying the beautiful weather in Oregon!

First of all, I want to thank my host family for giving me one of the biggest opportunities of my life. Thank you for being so welcoming, supportive, and loving since the day I texted you after receiving my placement. It’s been 3 years since I started all the paperwork and everything to come here, and in my case, I had to wait one more year after I voluntarily deferred. It was really hard for me, I’m not going to lie, but everybody told me that something better was coming and it was true.

Carla (left) smiling with her host mom and sisters in Canby, Oregon.

I will always remember the day I got my placement. It was on February 2nd, 2023. I was just getting out of the shower, and my plan was to study for an exam I had the next day. I received a message from my agency and 5 minutes later, I got the email. I started crying so hard! I couldn’t believe it, and I called my mom. Writing this, I can feel the excitement I had at that moment; it’s something you have to live to understand. I immediately texted my host mom. I couldn’t wait to meet them, and we started talking almost every day.

Carla (center) and her host sisters having a fun family dinner together!

The day I arrived to the US and saw my host family at the airport, I knew they were going to become a second family for me. They are always there to give me new and amazing experiences, to give me support, and also to truly laugh and enjoy my time with them.

Carla (right) and her friends on the dance team, after they had a great time competing against other teams!

I also want to thank my Dance Team, I literally met them 2 days after I got here. It was summer so we were doing daily doubles and that helped me a lot, because I was with them every single day for like 6 hours. Then, a week after, we went camping and that was so helpful to create bonds with all the girls. They all welcomed me since day 1, they introduced me to their friends so that also helped me a lot. We are a really big team, we are 34 girls and we literally are a family. I am so glad to have joined Dance Team for my team and for all the opportunities that is giving me be part of this team and not of another sport.

Carla (first row, third from the right) with her dance team, the Canby Cougars, after their first competition day!

The last people I want to thank are my family back home. I want to thank my parents for making my dream come true and for the effort they put in every day to make me happy and try to give me the best opportunities. I want to thank my brother for always being there. I am so glad to have him as an older brother and for trying to protect me and give me advice.

Thank you to all the people around me that try to make my experience the best and for making Oregon my second home.

Cheers and dance moves! Carla and the Canby Cougar Dancers as they performed during Halftime for the Portland Trail Blazers!

Are you interested in making a student like Carla a part of your family? We are looking for American host families to welcome a student for the upcoming 2024-25 school year! Check out the profiles of our wonderful students! New profiles go online every Thursday!