CURRENT MISSION

Nepal for the summer. Need some whitewater rafting, trekking in Rolpa and Rukum, and some time in Chitwan. Riding an elephant is a high priority.

ABOUT ME

I am a junior Political Science and International Studies student at the University of Notre Dame. Most of my travel so far has been academic, for research or for study abroad. I hope to continue that as I move forward, both in my last year of school and in whatever profession I enter after graduation. I want to keep travel a central part of my life, whether it's personal or professional.

I'm always looking to have fun in new places with new people.

PHILOSOPHY

When I travel, I like to say "While I'm here..." whenever invited to something or offered an opportunity. In Russia, it was relayed to me as "Just say da".

New is good, don't stay in place too long.

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."-Mark Twain

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am brand new to couchsurfing! I was introduced to it while in Mowcow by some new friends. I met a number of couchsurfers while there, from Belgium, the UK, and Russia, and loved them all. I look forward to becoming more involved in couchsurfing and seeing where it takes me around the world.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

So far I have only spent some time with a few couchsurfers in Moscow over New Year's Eve. I loved the people I spent time with and had to get involved myself.

Interests

I would say I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I play rugby when I can but I'm up for a lot of different things. If there's a mountain to climb, a waterfall to jump off of, or a cave to explore, I'm definitely interested. I've been skydiving in Indiana and bungee jumping over the Nile River. I may be a little afraid of heights, but that just makes everything more fun.

I'm incredibly interested in politics and history of all kinds, especially the Middle East and Africa. I love reading everything I can about a region or country and then traveling there myself. Comparing what I have read and researched to what locals say is the best way to learn about any location, people, and culture. To keep up with these interests, I read constantly. I love to read and never seem to have enough time to finish everything I want to.

• culture
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• whitewater rafting
• bungee jumping
• skydiving
• rugby
• history
• political science
• science
• study abroad

Music, Movies, and Books

While My favorite band is the Dropkick Murphys, an Irish punk rock band that likes to give some Irish classics a new twist, I like all kinds of music. I'll listen to Kanye, AC/DC, some House DJ's, or whatever the local scene has to offer.

My favorite movie is the Blues Brothers, followed closely by Wayne's World and Braveheart.

My favorite book is pretty difficult to pick, but Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet is definitely near the top.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Right now, riding a camel during a desert hailstorm in the Wadi Rum in Jordan while wearing a kuffiyeh tops the list. Just a bizarre and awesome experience.

Countries I’ve Visited

Costa Rica, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Palestine, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Uganda

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States