2020 Au Pair of the Year finalist
Rico, an au pair from Germany, living in Washington
"Our lives are forever changed for the better because of Rico. He arrived during a particularly challenging year for our family due to our infant son’s unforeseen medical issues. Rico never blinked twice. He dove in head-first and instantly became a calm, capable, stable member of our family while offering reasons to laugh along the way. He’s been flexible, consistent and has been an absolute joy to have in our home. The bond between Rico and both of our children is difficult to put into words. He was the breath of fresh air we needed that brought life and laughter back into our home. Rico has supported us through multiple medical appointments and even our son’s third surgery. Rico faced the unknown with such courage and optimism, two characteristics that I can only hope my children will carry with them for the rest of their lives. While all of this is larger than life and perhaps not what you would expect from an au pair – he is also engaged and ready to hit the ground running every day. Rico is very orderly, and we laugh because through life with Rico, our children now cover their mouths when they cough, put their shoes in their shoe baskets and hang their coats on their coat hooks.”
Submitted by the Hertl family, host family in Washington