CURRENT MISSION

all about empowering the youth & enriching the self

ABOUT ME

Open-minded and passionate.

September through June I'm a high school teacher of two classes: one called Contemporary American Issues and the other is Gender Studies. I love teaching them both and discussing so many juicy and important issues with my amazing students

June through August I have so much more free time and I love to do creative projects. I recently bought a house, so a lot of my projects are around interior design and DIY fix-it projects as I can. One of my favorite other creative projects I did was a photo project to highlight incredible things happening on Chicago's south side, where I live and work. I wanted to help change the negative perceptions that exist about this part of the city to show the beauty that lies all around.

I try to travel somewhere new on every break from work :)

I think couch surfing is an amazing concept! To be able to learn from others, and see how they live and think, to understand and respect different cultures is the best way to create a better world for everyone.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I surfed for the first time in summer 2013 when I moved from L.A. to Chicago. It was the most incredible way to experience the places I stopped, and the people were all so fascinating and friendly. I like to surf from time to time when I travel. For a while I was hosting people myself, until my landlady put a stop to it . I recently moved, so I hope to host again soon once I’ve got my space organized and am able to. Like everybody on here, I think it's just such a great way to get to know a place more than you would on your own, as well as a great way to connect with people and be a part of humanity.

Interests

I like to explore off the beaten path, ride my bike, do yoga, cook & eat, go out now and then, talk about social issues, do something about social issues, and generally be active and enjoy life.
I'm also learning to play guitar so I really enjoy that too.

• cooking
• yoga
• guitar
• cycling
• teaching
• exploring new places

Music, Movies, and Books

Currently reading: probably something new every other week. I LOVE TO READ.
Not that into movies, but I liked American Beauty, Across the Universe, Almost Famous, and City of God.
TV: mostly Netflix. Love The Office, Grey’s Anatomy, Kim’s Convenience
Music: wide variety. Always open to hearing new artists and genres. Getting into blues right now.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

5 months studying abroad in Ecuador, living with a host family. Definitely one of the most enriching, frustrating, and beautiful experiences of my entire life. Absolutely shaped my perspective on life and the way to treat each other.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, England, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Hungary, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ecuador, United States