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Joyce Siu

Name: Melanie Cleo Graf

Age: 17

City/ Country: Harrison (Westchester), New York, USA

School name: Harrison High School

Star sign: Leo

I am  half Greek-American, half WASP (white, anglo-saxon, protestant;  people whose ancestors are  from western Europe).

My first language is English, but I can speak some Greek and French too.

Westchester is a suburban county in New York. It is a pleasant and relaxed place with open-minded and friendly people.

I like my country for its tolerance, and  the values and opportunities it offers its residents.

I study English language, English literature, journalism, French, Latin, calculus, government and politics.

My school life is challenging, chaotic and time-consuming, but at the same time it is entertaining and fun. I spend about three hours every night on my homework.

During my  first two years at high school, I  spent time with my friends at the movies or at the mall.

Now that we can drive, we typically hang out at each other's houses, just watching TV or talking.

Hanging out is usually food-oriented and therefore involves finding a restaurant or ordering  food delivery. We are always  too lazy to cook.

I  enjoy playing basketball: it requires aggression, athletic ability and, most importantly, intellect. I also like playing soccer, jogging,  playing the piano and reading.

I like travelling.  During the summer holidays,  I go to Greece  with my family, and during spring break  we go to the Caribbean.  For autumn and winter holidays, I visit family in different  parts of the country.

I have an older brother, 20, and a younger brother, 13.

When  we're alone,  we fight most of the time. We stick up for each other against other people, though. We live with our parents and our puppy, a yellow labrador.

We eat different types of cuisines at home, but  mostly Greek, Italian  and Chinese food. My mum usually cooks.

Apart from cleaning my room, I don't have to do  many household chores. But  if I make  a mess, I have to clean it up.

I wear a  variety of styles, from sporty to feminine.  I buy all my clothes myself.

My mom is my idol - she maintains a career she cares passionately about while still finding time to raise a family, coach a basketball team, and pursue a variety of hobbies.

I think teenagers in America are passionate, assertive, upbeat, and considerate.

In the future, I want to be  a journalist reporting on international affairs.

July 4, American Independence Day is the most important festival. We spend the entire day  eating, socialising at outdoor family gatherings  and then end the evenings with extravagant firework displays.

Although I am biased, I think Manhattan is the most  amazing place  in the world. Not only is it gorgeous, with its breathtaking skyline and  riverside location, but it's  packed with diverse and interesting things to see and do.

There are so many performances for you to see, as are the art exhibitions. The architecture is stunning. The historical significance is interesting and inspiring. The present-day significance is phenomenal. And the shopping is absolutely unparalleled.

If you want to make friends with teens from other countries, send an e-mail to yp.epal@scmp.com. Sunday Young Post will forward all e-mails to Melanie.



e-pal