{"id":9588,"date":"2019-03-27T14:26:33","date_gmt":"2019-03-27T18:26:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.aupairusa.org\/au-pairs\/?p=9588"},"modified":"2020-08-18T14:29:32","modified_gmt":"2020-08-18T18:29:32","slug":"maries-journey-from-office-assistant-to-au-pair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.aupairusa.org\/au-pairs\/cultural-exchange-stories\/maries-journey-from-office-assistant-to-au-pair\/","title":{"rendered":"Marie\u2019s Journey from Office Assistant to Au Pair"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n
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German au pair Marie with her host family.
Image courtesy of Marie<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Life takes unexpected turns, just ask au pair Marie from Germany! In her home country, Marie was an office assistant who also had a passion for spending time with kids. When the opportunity to be an au pair came along, she jumped at the chance! Now, Marie resides in the San Francisco area and looks after her two host kids, all while immersing herself in a new culture. Marie shared her au pair journey with us below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My name is Marie, I\u2019m 23 years old, and I come from Thuringia, Germany. I\u2019m doing the au pair program for one year. I\u2019m an office assistant, but my passion is to travel the world and collect moments I\u2019ll never forget.<\/p>

Before I was an au pair, it felt like something was missing. I was stuck in a life where I couldn\u2019t move on. I decided to become an au pair when I read about the program online.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Marie\u2019s love for spending time with kids motivated her to become an au pair.
Image courtesy of Marie<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once I decided to join the program, I still had so many things to think about. The time flew by until my adventure began in September. After a farewell party with my friends and a tearful goodbye with my family at the airport, I arrived in New York City, but still, I couldn\u2019t believe it!<\/p>

I was nervous until I met new people that were in the same situation as me. Two days of orientation, with people from all over the world! It was so much fun and a good start to a new chapter of my life.<\/p>

Now, I live in California with my host family. It\u2019s a mix of Austria and Italy, and I love it!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Many
Many special moments have been celebrated together.
Image courtesy of Marie<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I take care of one boy and one girl, Jonah and Naomi. They are like my little brother and sister, super cute and lovely, very smart and respectful. We always have fun, and a good time together, I enjoy it a lot and appreciate it very much!<\/p>

My host parents are very friendly and take good care of me. Even at the beginning when it was hard for me, because of the language, they helped me in every situation. Now, we laugh together and talk all the time. We became good friends, and I\u2019m very thankful for everything.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Marie
Marie and her host family enjoy goofing around!
Image courtesy of Marie<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m a part of the family now, and I\u2019m so happy about it!<\/p>

I travel a lot with my family and friends. I did a road trip through Florida, from Miami to Orlando. I went skiing in Mt. Shasta, but my favorite trip was to Disneyland! And there are still many plans coming up like going to Coachella and two road trips through California to the Grand Canyon.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Making
Making memories that will last a lifetime.
Image courtesy of Marie<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

My whole life, I had the dream to live in a different country with another culture and a different language. Now my dream came true!<\/p>

I\u2019d definitely recommend this experience to another person. I hope they will always have a good experience like me.<\/p>

I know that wherever I go, I will never be completely at home again because part of my heart will always be here in San Francisco!<\/p>

Let your dreams come true and believe in yourself!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Life takes unexpected turns, just ask au pair Marie from Germany! In her home country, Marie was an office assistant who also had a passion for spending time with kids. 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