We at Au Pair in America recently announced our 2018 Au Pair of the Year contest winners, and are pleased to spotlight our second-place winner, Rocio “Chio” Marlene Tiot Uri, an au pair from Bolivia who spent two years with her host family in Colorado. She formed a close relationship with her American family, from her host parents and host child to her host grandparents! As her host parents’ touching essay makes clear, Chio certainly made a lasting impact on her American family.
Here is an excerpt from the essay submitted by second place winner Chio’s host family:
“Chio is not only an extraordinary au pair: she is one of the kindest, gentlest, and most loving people that we have ever met…. [She] was enthusiastic, happy, ambitious, and completely enamored with little Jamie. Jamie returned her affection absolutely: each weekday morning he’d toddle up the stairs with a big grin, exclaiming ‘Chio!’ when he glimpse her waiting for him. Hand in hand, they explored the parks, trails, gyms, and libraries of Golden Colorado—rain, shine or snow.
Chio’s initiative, creativity and commitment to Jamie’s cognitive development were unparalleled. Our walls are covered with the artwork she made with Jamie—as well as the learning tools she created for him while he napped. She hand-drew emoticon puppets to teach him emotion words in two languages… and even built him a playhouse complete with a refrigerator, microwave, and oven (which included a felt pizza with play toppings)! Chio got to know everyone in our community: neighbors, other au pairs, librarians—even the local police officers. She brought joy and delight to everyone she met. She had a special relationship with Jamie’s grandparents, who drove her from St. Louis to Washington, D.C. for her travel month – choosing a ‘scenic route’ through Chicago and Niagara Falls.
Thank you for considering Chio for this award. She is truly a special person.”
Congratulations to second place winner Chio on her achievement, and thank you to her host family for recognizing her outstanding efforts!
Could your family benefit from an intercultural child care experience with a dedicated, talented au pair like Chio? Register today to view au pair profiles!
