Host families who bring an au pair into their home are not only gaining invaluable, cultural, and flexible child care, but also providing an opportunity for a young person to better her/himself and grow personally and professionally both during and after the au pair experience.
Senior Community Counselor Susie Holt recently shared with us an update on one of our au pairs, Alessandra Chimienti, who has had an exciting journey since first arriving as an au pair just a few short years ago. After her time on the au pair program, Alessandra obtained a student visa to attend college in the U.S., and this May, she graduated as valedictorian of her class at Merritt College, part of the Peralta Community College District in California, earning three Associate Degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, and General Business. She was also chosen to represent Peralta District’s international student population and deliver the valedictorian’s speech for their graduation ceremony.
According to a student profile released by Merritt College, “Born in Puglia, in the south of Italy, Alessandra earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with highest honors (summa cum laude) before coming to the United States as an Au Pair for an Oakland family who she loves and considers her ‘American family’ for their ongoing support and for serving as a role model for her.” Read the release to learn more about Alessandra’s academic accomplishments.
In addition to her college graduation, Alessandra shared with Susie that she got married in December and lives in Santa Rosa, California. She has stayed in touch with Susie and included Susie’s au pairs in some of these events that she organized for international students at her school. When Susie thanked her for sharing her latest news, Alessandra responded, “It all started with being an au pair….crazy! You saw me the very first day I arrived here. If there is a person I should share it with, it’s you!”
Congratulations to Alessandra on her hard work and academic accomplishments! She exemplifies the kind of leader and role model that our amazing au pairs can be, and we look forward to hearing about her future adventures and successes.
Is your family interested in an intercultural child care experience and making a difference in a young person’s life? Learn more about Au Pair in America today!
