CURRENT MISSION

Otium.

ABOUT ME

I am adventurous and enjoy gaining familiarity with my surroundings -- the people, the spots, eateries, etc. -- wherever I may be. I am just as comfortable having a quiet cup of coffee on the patio as I am dancing the night away at a club.

PHILOSOPHY

"The cure for boredom is curiosity.
There is no cure for curiosity." -DP

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am a recent university graduate, currently moved back to California. I have loved using CS while traveling and studying abroad in the past, without which I would not have had such the rich experiences that I had! While back in the States, I am more than happy to show fellow CSers around town and/or answer any questions you may have about the areas where I have lived/traveled. My current living situation makes it tricky to offer a place to stay, but my living situation may soon change to one that allows visitors, in which case I would be happy to host!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have enjoyed each and every one of my CS experiences, from brief friendship for the night to building deep friendships. I have really only been hosted once but, even so, I have taken advantage of what a great resource this is as someone in a new place. I love CS!

Interests

I absolutely love being outside! Even if it is just a stroll, I love what brings me into closer presence with my surroundings. Some of my favorite conversations have been with people I knew intimately for just a half hour of conversation, and I enjoy placing myself in places and circumstances that allow for the possibility of such encounters.
On a more scheduled basis, I enjoy passing the time I do not spend studying or working by working with local refugee resettlement agencies. I help organize the acculturation process of local refugee families new to Chicago as well as strive to mobilize community members to help meet their material needs for living.

• festivals
• dancing
• coffee
• clubbing
• traveling

Music, Movies, and Books

I love a good horror flick, but can rarely get into chick flicks. I like a good film, but I usually default into watching a familiar comedy like 40-Year Old Virgin or The Other Guys.

Music? Love to have it on, but never with headphones. Music is meant to be shared. Oh, and I enjoy pretty much all genres.. I'm not terribly picky, but I prefer if it is sans anger.

I am a (self-diagnosed) serial reader. My biggest fault is picking up too many books at once, but it's an addiction I adore.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

1. Seeing my first hot air balloon festival in Maryland during a road trip.
2. (I work in a first-grade classroom) Seeing a seven-year old speak with the eloquence and strength of a brave adult when standing up against a bully for another student in front of 26 other kids.
3. Watching two friends fake an impromptu-marriage proposal at the Trevi Fountain, which caused a rally of tourists to uproar in applause and tears. (pretty hilarious)

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach me about the cause you are most passionate for; open my mind to what you love.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, United States