Hey I'm Alyssa! I'm a 22-year-old documentary filmmaker, photographer, and traveler. I just graduated from university in May with a degree in filmmaking, so now I'm taking a gap year to travel, collect experiences, and make as much artwork as I can. When I'm not working on films or other projects I spend time with friends or checking out local music or art. I am also very passionate about social justice and psychology, so I'm very active in my community.

I grew up near Washington, DC, but Richmond is where I've called home the past four years. I worked as the art director for a local magazine and collaborated on documentaries and other creative projects with local musicians, artists, and fashion designers. I was really involved in the music and art scene, and dedicated my free moments to supporting the local artistic community as well as being a part of it. Now that I've moved out of the city (for now), I've decided to slow down my fast-paced lifestyle and take some time to travel and learn more about myself.

Also, I've been vegan for a little over four years now! My love for the environment and compassion towards animals has made this a really easy decision for me, and I love cooking vegan meals for friends and family. I'm very open-minded and love to have conversations and learn new things :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing so that I can make the most out of my backpacking trip. Besides wanting a more authentic, local experience, I'm hoping to learn as much as I can about each place that I visit, and make new friends along the way. To me, this platform is about making connections and sharing experiences.

Interests

As I said before, I've been vegan for over four years which has led to an interest in cooking, finding restaurants, living ethically/sustainably, and focusing on my mind and body. I've been practicing yoga on and off for about 12 years, and have been working towards sustaining a more consistent routine. I have also been meditating for about the same amount of time, and practice mindfulness especially. My health is very important to me, and because of this I'm not a heavy drinker. I will occasionally go to a local bar or brewery with friends, or if I go out dancing, but it isn't a huge focus of mine since I prefer to focus my energy on art. I definitely love to go out and have fun but I place equal weight in spending time in nature, taking walks through the city, and having one-on-one conversations. I consider myself to be a very passionate person when it comes to my interests, and I love to learn what other people are passionate about :)

• arts
• culture
• books
• literature
• photography
• documentaries
• music festivals
• dancing
• philanthropy
• cooking
• wine tasting
• vegan
• yoga
• meditation
• nightlife
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• live music
• journalism
• philosophy
• psychology
• social work
• volunteering
• solo travel
• filmmaking
• nature
• adventure
• film photography
• streetart
• social justice
• film
• craft beer
• activism
• communication
• vegan food
• veganism
• healthy lifestyle
• consciousness
• community
• vegan cooking
• creative writing
• local cuisine
• hot yoga

Music, Movies, and Books

I love independent films, especially foreign films and documentaries. Most of my free time is spent consuming all forms of media and literature. It's hard to narrow down a list but here are some of my favorites-
Music: The Avalanches, Beach House, Blood Orange, Bon Iver, James Blake, Erykah Badu, Digable Planets, Noname, A Tribe Called Quest, Amy Winehouse, The Antlers, Atmosphere, The Shins, etc.
Movies: Rich Hill, Amy, 13TH, Waking Life, We Need to Talk About Kevin, Sicko, Heathers, Moonrise Kingdom, The Royal Tenebaums, 6 Years, Detachment, Short Term 12, Nymphomaniac, Girlhood, etc.
Books: Are Prisons Obsolete?, The Fate of Gender, The Dark Side of Innocence, Girl, Interrupted, Prozac Nation, The Bell Jar, Cunt: A Declaration of Independence, Candy, etc.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I recently debuted my short documentary about survivors of intimate partner violence. I'm currently submitting it to festivals but I think the most amazing part of the project was the community that was created as a result. The survivors in the film are some of my closest friends and I've met so many more along the way as a result. Since starting the project, I've received a lot of support as well as had the most incredible conversations with people. It was then that I realized that my art can create a space to discuss difficult issues, and it is truly the driving force behind my work.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to cook vegan food, anything you'd like to know about my filmmaking practice, photography, and about social issues in America.

I want to learn about who you are as an individual, what life is like in your city, where to find some nice restaurants or cafes, local art and music, and about where I should spend my time in the city while I'm there (like a nice trail to walk to, local shops, places to view art, etc.).

I can share a nice meal, conversation, some time exploring together if you are free, and since I'll have my camera I can take any photos you may need (whether it's headshots, documentation of an event, couples/family/friend/pet pictures, or even just a portrait).

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm always willing to spend time having conversations and going out into the city. I know a lot about films and am educated in the arts.
I also love to discuss my philosophies and opinions, I'm very open to in-depth conversations and am a very good listener.
I especially love to take photos and make short films, so if you have any interest in either I would be open to it!

Countries I’ve Visited

England, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States