CURRENT MISSION

To find inspiration

ABOUT ME

I'm studying abroad in Florence, Italy until April 2012, and want to explore other parts of Europe while I'm here. It's not so much about where I go, but more about who I meet and my experiences in different countries. I lived a pretty isolated life in California, and my family never traveled, so this is my first time in Europe, and I'm still feeling the shock of it all. I'm studying studio art, art history, and art conservation, but I really don't know who I am as an artist yet. I'm hoping this year abroad will help me figure out who I am, and what I want to do with my life. I think that throwing myself out of my comfort zone and meeting new people will help me find inspiration for my life and art. Couchsurfing really sounds like the perfect way to really see Europe. Hope to meet a lot of you in the next few months!

PHILOSOPHY

Treat others how you'd like to be treated.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Right now I plan on traveling around since I can't host anyone while I am in school. I'm so new to couch surfing, but I hope to meet some amazing people while I'm in Europe and begin hosting people myself when back in the US.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I am very new to couch surfing! I haven't personally participated yet, but I have friends who has hosted people and it seems like a great experience.

Interests

Since I am an art major in college, I obviously love art and art history. Being in a place like Florence for the year is only making my love grow. I also immensely love reading, and won't go anywhere without my kindle. I seriously read about 2-3 books a week when I have the time. I love all types of art, including dance, theatre, film, music. Anything that can tell a story, really. And before I was an art major, I actually planned on studying wildlife and wanted to work with animals (wolves specifically). Seems a bit random now, but I've been surrounded by animals all my life, so my love for them naturally extended to wanting to work with them as a career. Halfway through college though, I realized that art was my real passion. I'm also a bit of an astronomy geek, but don't really know much technicalities. My knowledge of the constellations is more of a party trick :)

• animals
• wildlife
• arts
• books
• dancing
• walking
• partying
• reading
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• surfing
• rock climbing
• art history
• astronomy
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

If I had to pick a few favorite movies, they would be Moulin Rouge (cheesy, I know), Pride and Prejudice, The Shawshank Redemption, Big Fish, Saving Private Ryan, and most Disney movies. I really love all sorts of music, but beautifully sad songs are definitely my favorite. And I'm a big lover of classical music, movie soundtracks, and show tunes! As for books, I also love everything. Right now I'm going through a crime thriller kick, but all time favorites are Jane Austen novels, Looking for Alaska, She's Come Undone, and the Time Traveler's Wife.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've been on some pretty amazing hikes in California, some leading to really beautiful waterfalls.
Everything I've seen so far in Italy is amazing. The cathedrals here are mesmerizing, and even though I'm not a very religious person, walking into these spaces is probably what I would describe as a "religious experience". And climbing The Duomo here in Florence was a really amazing experience.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm still learning so much, and would love to continue, so any knowledge is appreciated. As for teaching, I love to go on and on about art and art history, so I would love to spread my knowledge to anyone willing to listen.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Mexico, Netherlands

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, United States