I’ve recently moved to Chicago from a small Mennonite community in rural Ohio, currently pursuing a PhD in Pharmacology with dreams of becoming a mad scientist. I’ve been described as an amateur anthropologist—always looking to meet other people with different stories and perspectives from my own.

Right now I’m fixated with my new city, Chicago. There are simply so many things to do with my limited time. Also, my unexplainable affinity for high places finds me habitually climbing to rooftops with booze in my back pocket. Summer's out here are a blast.

My travel style often consists of buying a ticket somewhere with little more than a list of things I want to see and do. I’m a natural wanderer that can’t stand the inflexibility of a schedule. Consequently, I’ve stumbled into both the best and worst experiences. Regardless of where I find myself, the spontaneity of each day when traveling is what keeps the passport stamps coming.

PHILOSOPHY:
-Go for what makes you happy
-Things are rarely black and white
-Not everything happens for a reason, but things will always work themselves out in the end.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In the past I’ve typically done most of my traveling by staying in hostels, with locals I’ve met, or the outdoors/streets (worst case scenario that I’m trying not to repeat anytime soon!). Many of my more pleasant memories have come from living with people in their homes and participating in their day to day.

Always looking for another way to be internationally connected.

Interests

Science, music, card games, motorcycles, piano, video games, bar hopping, sports, music festivals, concerts, skiing, scuba diving, strange/new experiences

• concerts
• music festivals
• festivals
• cooking
• motorcycles
• video games
• traveling
• cars
• origami
• music
• piano
• outdoor activities
• skiing
• sports
• chemistry
• mathematics
• science
• last minute travel

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC: (I'm really big on music) Alison Wonderland, Arcade Fire, Atmosphere, August Burns Red, Avenged Sevenfold, Bassnectar, Bayside, Big Gigantic, The Black Keys, BØrns, Break Science, Cage the Elephant, Chet Faker, Childish Gambino, Citizen Cope, Coheed and Cambria, A Day to Remember, Explosions In The Sky, Flosstradamus, The Floozies, Flume, Flux Pavillion , Fun., Griz, Halsey, Hippie Sabotage, Imogen Heap, James Blake, Jamie XX, Jaymes Young, K.Flay, Keys N Krates, Lana Del Rey, Logic, Lorde, Manchester Orchestra, Melanie Martinez, MØ, The Neighbourhood, Pretty Lights, Purity Ring, Radical Face, RL Grime, Run the Jewels, Shakey Graves, Sia, Sir Sly, Twenty One Pilots, Vanic, The Weeknd, Weezer

MOVIES: Psycho-thrillers, Sci-Fi, comedies

BOOKS: Mostly just read textbooks nowadays but nostalgic books include much of the Star Wars series, And Then There Were None, Artemis Fowl series, DIY books

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I don’t know about amazing. However, I had a little over two weeks of free time in between my summer job and college starting up again. My friend had recently landed a job in Seattle and wanted some company on her long drive from Northeast Ohio to her new home. The stars aligned and I was able join her with a mission in mind.

Airline prices were ridiculously high for last-minute, cross country bookings—so I decided to hitchhike back the way I came. Roughly 35 different vehicles transported me 3,000 miles across 10 states (I took a couple detours to surprise friends). Groups of people ranging from families to delirious elderly to truckers to crazy people to pyramid schemers to other young adults picked me up. My favorite part of the trip was being tackled by my best friend from college when I showed up at his apartment unannounced. I made it back in time for school with all limbs still attached.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you how to do your math/chemistry homework or make origami swans

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’m more than willing to help clean around the house or do some handy work if needed. I don't cook often but I’ll surely give it a stab if you’re desperate.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Belize, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Italy, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand