Letter to the family
Hello! My name is Katrina. I am 29 years old, was born and raised in the Philippines, and currently live in Canada. I'm an international student taking up Baking and Pastry Arts Management at Humber Polytechnic. I am a vibrant, dedicated individual who thrives on hard work and embraces every challenge with an open mind! My easy-going nature allows me to connect effortlessly with others, and I take pride in being trustworthy and helpful. Caring for kids brings me immense joy; their health, safety, and happiness are my top priorities.
I graduated with a hotel, restaurant, management, and culinary arts degree. Traveling is my passion! I thrive on exploring new languages and immersing myself in diverse cultures. There's nothing quite like meeting new people and creating unforgettable memories. My calm demeanor, patience, and ability to learn quickly shine when I face challenges, turning obstacles into exciting adventures. We are four in the family, and I am the eldest of two siblings. Growing up with a 10-year age gap between me and my younger brother has been an incredible journey. He was my little sidekick during our childhood, and I took on the role of caregiver when our parents were busy. Watching him explore the world for the first time was a joy; those moments honed my childcare skills and strengthened our bond in ways I never imagined.
As he embarks on his college journey studying mechanical engineering, I beam with pride as his "Ate," or older sister. Even though I'm not there physically, knowing he’s thriving in class and handling responsibilities with such maturity warms my heart. It’s amazing to see how the lessons I taught him back then are still a part of who he is today. I couldn’t be prouder of the person he’s becoming! I've also had the privilege of caring for my cousin’s adorable 4-year-old daughter while my cousin is busy with work. I always make it a point not just to feed her and help with baths; I like to plan fun activities that keep her engaged. From coloring and writing to exciting indoor games, I aim to provide experiences that divert her attention from screens—just like our parents did for us.
As a family, we cherish our time together, especially on weekends when we gather for church each Sunday. My father always emphasizes the importance of bonding and staying connected, no matter how hectic life gets. I have a soft spot for indoor activities, particularly Do-It-Yourself (DIY) crafts and cooking. Growing up, I loved helping my dad in the kitchen; he was my first cooking mentor! One of our all-time favorite dishes is Filipino Braised Pork with black beans, and there's nothing quite like the joy of seeing my family savor a meal I prepared.
Cooking, baking, and crafting aren't just hobbies for me; they're my go-to stress relievers. They bring me pure joy as I create something special for my loved ones. Filipinos are famous for their tight-knit family bonds, and as the eldest sibling, I've witnessed the hard work my parents put into our family businesses and ensuring we have a good life. Their tireless efforts inspire me to believe in myself and to push through challenges. I hold a deep desire to give back the love and sacrifices they've so generously shown me.
One of my strengths is my ability to form meaningful connections with children and quickly adapt to new environments. I genuinely enjoy stepping into the significant sister role, guiding them through different aspects of life while sharing in their journey and learning from my own experiences. However, I also face a considerable challenge: my deep emotional attachments. It can be challenging to let go when it's time to say goodbye. The emotional bond makes parting ways especially tough, and I often carry the weight of that farewell with me.
I'm on an exciting journey to find the perfect host family eager to welcome me into their home! I'm looking for a warm, kind-hearted family that is adventurous and ready to embrace new cultures and languages together. Ideally, I’m hoping for a long-term stay of a year or more to connect and build lasting memories.
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.