Hello, my name is Bawinile (Winnie) Ledwaba and this is my story… I applied to go on the Au Pair in America program early 2003 after reading an advert in the newspaper about Au Pair in America – for young women to make their dream come true! Going to America has always been a dream of mine and I thought this would be the most fantastic way to experience America and continue working with children. It was the happiest day of my life when I was told that I was accepted onto the Au Pair in America program. When I was matched with a host family, I couldn’t believe it and very soon it was time for me to depart. I left South Africa on the 11th of August 2003 and stayed in America until March 2005. Everyday was an adventure! I flew with a number of Au Pairs and our first stop was Orientation near New York City. I met Au Pairs from all over the world and had to pinch myself every so often because I could not believe I was actually there! I was matched with a host family from Superior Colorado and cared for two little girls, Lauren (17 months) and Josie (3 years). Lauren is now five years and Josie is now seven and I still speak to my family after all these years. There were many other Au Pairs in Colorado and I made lots of friends and learnt that Au Pairing is about sharing cultures. I got a beautiful 4x4 to drive from my host parents, all Au Pairs get a car therefore it is very important to have a driver’s license. As an Au Pair I got to do many things that I would never have done in South Africa; I experienced all four seasons and loved the snow. I went horseback riding and white water rafting with the other Au Pairs and my family took me skiing in the mountains! I was also very lucky to meet a few famous people. Au Pairing gave me the opportunity to find myself, to grow as a person, and become a strong, confident young woman – and the realization that anything is possible! Now, I am settled again in South Africa and used what I learnt during my time as an Au Pair to motivate other young women to achieve their dreams whatever it may be. I have a great job at a financial firm and just got married on 4 August to the man of my dreams. If I did not go as an Au Pair, I don’t think I would have achieved all that I have now. Au Pair – it will change your life! 
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