Martin Tóth from Hungary wins
Hungarian au pair, Martin Tóth (25), received the IAPA Au Pair of the Year 2018 Award during the opening reception at the Metropol Parasol in Sevilla during the Work Experience Travel Market and IAPA Annual Conference (WETM-IAC) 2018.
An international jury of five people had selected him from over 30 nominations.
Martin was placed by receiving agency, Au Pair International from the USA. His sending agency had been Smaller Earth from the UK.
His American host family from Houston, TX, the Bernosky family nominated him for the award. Already the family in Washington D.C. that hosted him during his first au pair experience had suggested this exceptional young man as Au Pair of the Year.
Martin held a very passionate speech without any notes and told the audience who listened holding their breath, about his first weeks in Texas, his au pair experience in general, and his wonderful, warm-hearted host family who has such a big heart. He shared how the Bernosky family helped the whole neighbourhood and simply let them all stay with them even though their own house was partly destroyed.
“How the Bernosky family took in two friends of (their daughter) Hanna and cared for them just like they were their own, taught me a lot about sharing and unconditional care for others. The support they provide for their children is remarkable and a great example to follow. This whole au pair experience taught me endless life lessons that I am proud to take with me wherever my future takes me. Besides gaining confidence in speaking and writing in English, visiting amazing parts of this beautiful country, I discovered my true passion for childcare” – Martin Tóth – Au Pair of the Year 2018
Missy Bernosky accompanied Martin to this important event in Seville. With her emotional speech and her description of the relationship her family has built with Martin over the last months it became very clear that Martin was indeed a well deserving winner of the Award.
“There is so much more we could say about Martin, but overall, he has shown us a loyalty and love for our family that is like no other we have felt from any au pair before. We are truly humbled by his giving nature and our family will forever be grateful for his assistance and care during the most difficult time of our lives. We feel so lucky and blessed to have had this opportunity to host Martin for his extension year!” – Missy Bernosky
The audience was thrilled with their speeches and moved by a surprise video created by the teenage children and the host father to congratulate their beloved au pair, Martin, which also brought Martin and his host mother to tears.
Read Martin´s Essay here: Essay Martin
Source: iapa.org
