CURRENT MISSION

I want to learn about people by learning their language.

ABOUT ME

I am a university student spending a semester abroad in Irkutsk. I study history and Russian language at home in the U.S., but traveled to Russia to improve my language skills and learn more about this fascinating country. I'm not a very talkative person; mostly I prefer to listen to people's stories. But this doesn't mean that I'm bored or not interested! I have learned so much from people and hope I never stop. I'm reserved at first, but quickly reveal my quirky, nerdy side.

PHILOSOPHY

There is so much to learn from people.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm traveling at the moment.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have attended a few group parties in Irkutsk, but I have never stayed on someone's couch...yet! When I return to the U.S., hopefully I will get my own apartment and can share my home and city with travelers.

Interests

I love to long-distance running and all sports. I love cooking meals for people and trying new foods. I'm interested in history of all kinds, but especially of the twentieth century. I'm interested in politics and social issues.

• cooking
• running
• partying
• politics
• traveling
• sports
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Yo La Tengo, Talking Heads, Will Oldham, folk, jazz, blues
Books: 1984, Anna Karenina, This Side of Paradise

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The world is a fascinating, beautiful, challenging place. But the most amazing thing I've experienced in my short life is, after experience all of the fascinating, beautiful, challenging places, coming home.

Teach, Learn, Share

Studying in Russia has been my first time out of the U.S. I have been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people, young and old, men and women, Russians and other tourists. The most important thing to remember is that every moment is an opportunity to learn: every interaction, every activity, every silence.