With a Chinese mother born in the Philippines and a half Italian American, half Russian American father, I spent much of my childhood embarrassed and ashamed that I didn't fit in. As I've grown older, I've learned to embrace my various identities and take pleasure in learning about the experiences and cultures of others. I aim to cultivate empathy and understanding in all aspects of my life through open and honest communication. In my career, I aim to work towards reduction of health inequities both domestically and abroad by developing accessible and innovative vaccines tailored towards the needs of vulnerable populations.

Currently visiting graduate schools of public health to decide where I want to go in the fall!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting new people and am interested in getting the perspective of people from all around the world! I feel that the experience one can get hostelling or staying at a hotel seems somewhat less genuine, and would greatly value learning firsthand from locals instead.

Interests

• arts
• photography
• documentaries
• music festivals
• environment
• cooking
• wine
• coffee
• baking
• yoga
• crafts
• clothing
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• music
• classical music
• piano
• hiking
• art history
• journalism
• science
• film photography
• biking

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: almost anything, but my favorite genres are classical music, EDM, and indie

Movies: Inception, Frida, Amelie, Ratatouille, Pride and Prejudice, The Devil Wears Prada, Forrest Gump, Les Miserables, How to Train Your Dragon, Birdman, Pulp Fiction, Inglorious Basterds, Hayao Miyazaki films

TV: Big Bang Theory, Game of Thrones, How I Met Your Mother, Friends, Jane the Virgin, Suits, How to Get Away with Murder, Scandal, Gossip Girl, Skins, Sherlock, Orange is the New Black

Books: East of Eden, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, 1984, Brave New World, Americanah, Kite Runner, No Exit, Hamlet, Pride and Prejudice, Farenheit 451, 1Q84, Norwegian Wood

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Swam with whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can cook you a meal/bake something and share my experiences living in California and travelling!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, Taiwan, United States