Writing

1 July 2005

Dear Mary,

How are you? I am fine! I am very glad to be taking part in the Student's Exchange Program, because now I am able to learn more about America and its people.

What's your idea of a typical American teenager? A rich kid with his own car? A girl whose parents let her do anything she likes? A drug addict? Well, may be you have been watching too much television. Because the real life here is not quite like we expected it to be.

Most teenagers do not have enough money to own a car. Drugs, of course, is a serious problem, but the truth is that fewer and fewer young Americans are trying them. Typical American teenagers are in fact very ordinary. They think their teachers make them work too hard and their friendships are the most important things in their lives.

Most young people take jobs while they are in school. They work at movie theatres, fast-food restaurants, gas stations and stores to pay for their clothes and entertainment. May be this is what makes them so independent from their parents at such a young age.

It's not always easy to keep a job and still do well in school. But American teenagers learn early that you have to work hard to win. So, winning, in fact, is part of the American way of life.

It was very difficult for me to adapt to a very different way of life. But my host family are very friendly to me and always help me. Living in another country is an incredible experience.

When I return to Russia, I'll try to apply that knowledge.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Lots of love,

Ann