I'm relaxed, yet love to argue! I'm open-minded and love to hear new perspectives, and I think that traveling is the best way to understand the perspective of others.

What I like to do

Learning!

Seeing live music. I especially love attending music festivals. I've been to Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Chicago, and Loufest.

I'm a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and I earned a green belt in judo while studying abroad in Toulouse, France.

Dungeons and Dragons is one of my favorite social activities. Such a fun, multi-disciplinary hobby!

Watching YouTubers! I much prefer YouTube to TV/film. I love the Vlogbrothers, Hot Ones, Alex/French Guy Cooking, Primitive Technology, Casually Explained, CGP Grey, Woodysgamertag, Philip DeFranco, and ContraPoints!

I've been listening to podcasts for around nine years. My favorites are the Joe Rogan Experience, Hello Internet, and Painkiller Already

I like to go out and party every once-in-awhile, but I prefer a night-in with good company, good drinks, and a decent bedtime.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

The first of foremost reason: I'd much rather sleep at a local's place and pay with my time and experiences rather than potentially overpaying in fiat currency!

A host opens up their home and experiences, and the surfer is not staying for free because she must invest some time to make the experience worthwhile for the host! That's the standard that I set myself to when I surf!

Interests

• martial arts
• jiu jitsu
• mma
• brazilian jiu jitsu

Music, Movies, and Books

I love indie rock and hip-hop

Neutral Milk Hotel, Animal Collective, Radiohead, and MGMT were MY BANDS in my adolescence; very influential in how I perceive art, and I feel an emotional connection to their records

I used to read a lot of fantasy (Eragon/Inheritance Cycle anyone?) and YA fiction (John Green).

In college, I read a lot of political theory which drastically influenced my worldview and thoughts on morality. Hobbes, Rousseau, Kant, Marx, Schumpeter, Arendt, Firestone, Rawls, Foucault, and Fukuyama are the thinkers that guided me.

Since finishing university, I've started reading again. I like the occasional self-help book and lately I've really gotten into Rothfuss's Kingkiller Chronicles and Asimov's Foundation series.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Graduated "valedictorian" of my high school. Top of the class! Nerd for life!

Graduated a semester early from university.

Won a verse-speaking competition for 7 1/2 year-olds at age 6 when I lived in Peterborough, England.

Scored a touchdown in a game of American football and hit a triple in baseball.

Worked in an atmospheric chemistry lab

Built up a Brazilian jiu-jitsu club at my university to fifteen members

Teach, Learn, Share

Willing to speak in English or French.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A meal, my company, and jovial conversation

I have been a Dungeon Master/ Game Master for Dungeons and Dragons for a few years. I'd love to run a small session for you and a few friends! I like introducing the game to new players!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, France, United States