Dear Future Host Family,
My name is Karina, and I am currently 24 years old, living in Astana, Kazakhstan. I am excited to join your family as an Au Pair and I am confident that we will get along well!
Currently, I am completing an internship in medicine, after which I will receive my diploma to become a doctor. My education has allowed me to better understand the needs and nuances of child health. My love for children and medicine has driven me to become a pediatrician, work at a children's medical center, and be of utmost service there. I understand that children can be sensitive, and I am ready to provide the necessary care and attention to each of them.
My first experience caring for children began during my teenage years when I looked after my younger sisters and brother. My youngest sister is now 16, her name is Sabina and I have observed every stage of her growth, thus, I understand what it means to take care of a teenager. Starting at the age of 12, when I return home for my weekends or holidays, I take her to and from school, help her with homework, take her to extracurricular activities, and help her prepare school clothes for the next day. On weekends, we go to the cinema, take walks in the park, do some light house cleaning, have fun, and talk a lot, as it is crucial for a teenager to be heard.
One and a half years ago, I began helping a family with their newborn baby, and I soon became a nanny for them, working with them for over a year. I knew the mother from my summer job, during our conversation, I shared my plans to work in medicine, specifically with children, and we exchanged contacts. Their adorable daughter is now 1.8 years old. We clicked with her and the rest of the family from our first meeting. During my time caring for her, she learned to crawl, took her first steps, began saying her first words, learned to hold utensils and eat independently. My duties included changing clothes, bathing, taking walks outdoors, feeding (in the first few months I gave her milk from her mother's prepared bottle, and then regular food), preparing for sleep, and the actual sleep itself. Additionally, I also facilitated developmental games on demand such as looking at picture books, developing fine motor skills, playing with animals and learning their characteristics.
To this day, we have a warm relationship with the parents, and I occasionally join them for a combined walk or help out as needed because we have become very accustomed to each other over this period of time.
During the summer of 2022, another family was in search of a nanny for their 7-year-old son during their vacation period. Upon recommendation from the first family that I worked for as a nanny, we agreed that I would provide assistance and care for their son. Together, we got along great and my duties included assisting him with his morning routine, preparing breakfast, accompanying him to the beach, supervising his playtime with other children, monitoring his swimming, escorting him for his nap after lunch, spending time with him in the yard, assisting with minor chores as requested by the parents, preparing him for bedtime, and ensuring that he had a good night’s rest. Throughout their vacation, we developed a great rapport and fellowship.
Throughout my 7 years of medical university studies, I have completed internships in children's clinics and hospitals, where I worked alongside senior doctors to conduct visual and physical examinations, provide diagnostic recommendations, assist with treatment selection, attend pediatric medical conferences, and engage in discussions dedicated to pediatric issues. In my free time from school and work, I enjoy participating in sports, stretching, and taking long walks outdoors. Recently, I began learning a foreign language, German, and have completed the first level, A1. During my teen years, I graduated from music school for piano performance and occasionally continue to play the instrument.
I sincerely appreciate this opportunity to serve as an Au Pair and care for your children. I am confident that this would serve as a significant stepping stone for my future professional aspirations. My dream is to become a pediatrician, and working as a nanny would provide additional opportunities to expand my experience with children, improve my knowledge and skills in child healthcare, and enrich my personal and professional growth. I trust that this would be an invaluable experience not only for me but also for your children.
Thank you for your attention and time. I am ready to answer any additional questions and eagerly await your response.