Au Pair of the Year Nominee:

Fernanda - Brazil

Fernanda struck a chord with us immediately. We were able to interview her using a web cam, and she was happy, friendly, and seemed really interested. She had an excellent resume, and during the interview, when our daughter started running around in the background with a lampshade on her head, we saw a genuine love of kids in her eyes. We knew Fernanda was the right one. We were a little concerned about her lack of English, but her record indicated she was a hard worker with many goals, the first of which was to learn to speak English fluently.

When Fernanda's bus arrived, we were not disappointed. True to expectations, there was little Fernanda in a big bright yellow shirt, standing out from the crowd. Her appearance on that day was symbolic of how she has been for our family, a bright spot, always cheerful, full of hope and ambition, and unwavering in her loyalty to our family.

Fernanda has done so many things that make her stand out as an exceptional au pair. Although our daughter is only 2, Fernanda, who previously worked as a preschool teacher at an English school in Brazil , has been teaching our daughter Portuguese. Our daughter has learned Portuguese songs, and when we were in Disney, approached some Brazilian tourists with Portuguese greetings! Fernanda has also made early learning in English a priority for our daughter. At 2, she has already learned her numbers up to 7 and can identify most of the alphabet by sight. This is entirely a product of Fernanda, and we are so thankful for her help. Fernanda makes an effort to always find something interesting to do with our daughter. They have come up with very interesting arts and crafts, precious surprises for mom and dad, and lots and lots of songs!

Fernanda's English has improved 100% since she came to the U.S. Before she began her required class, she voluntarily began attending English classes at a local church in an effort to start learning English right away. Her ambition is remarkable to us, and she sets a fine example as a role model for our daughter as well.

My daughter tells Fernanda on a daily basis "I love you Fernanda," and I know she means it. Fernanda has made it her goal to be a big sister to our daughter, and she has done it in such a loving, wonderful way. I am sure my daughter regards Fernanda as her best friend! Fernanda's outgoing spirit has won her many friends in our city, of all ages and nationalities. In a way, and probably without knowing it, Fernanda has become an ambassador to other au pairs in our City and made efforts to reach out to them and make them feel "at home" in a foreign country.

I know this essay does not do justice to such a wonderful young lady. I hope it will just scratch the surface of telling you what an extraordinary au pair she really is.