CURRENT MISSION

To make the world a better place, and maybe one day even help the universe be a better place.

ABOUT ME

I am a full-time student at Purdue majoring in Multidisciplinary Engineering and minoring in Engineering Management.

I am the team manager of the only bike racing team in the county, Rule Five Racing. We have a great squad of awesome guys and our junior/development team is super talented. I regularly lead and participate in local group rides along with the times I go out solo or with a few friends. You're welcome to join any ride I go on and I can also help you join any other ride going on or find you a riding partner that fits your schedule. I have a few bikes, but they might not be your size. However, chances are I also have a friend who would be willing to lend out a bike your size as long as you're responsible with it.

I happen to work at one of two local bike shops as a mechanic and in sales - a perfect job for me while I work on my degree.

I have traveled to Mexico, Sweden, Uganda, Switzerland, and a few other countries (for short amounts of time) and have loved meeting new people from different cultures along the way. I have also lived in nine different states which are CA, NY, NJ, PA, FL, OR, UT, MA, and IN. I enjoy just going on adventures whether that is spontaneously hopping in my car and going somewhere random or planning things out for longer more organized journeys.

I have lived many lifetimes in the three decades I have been a sentient being on this planet. I don't view that as a means to build some pedestal on which to stand, nor would I ever turn away the wisdom of others. I just mean to say it makes for great conversation and sometimes (when I am lucky) I can provide great insight. I am always interested in learning more and know that of all the knowledge in the universe I posses practically none of it.

Don't be afraid to ask me anything. I am not offended by curiosity. If it happens to be something that I don't think would be appropriate to discuss I will just let you know and won't shame you for asking. However, I am usually pretty comfortable with anything.

PHILOSOPHY

Not everything in life happens for a reason. It is our responsibility to provide meaning to things that we experience. Everything has the potential of being a positive experience no matter how painful it is.

Growth is the most painful/difficult thing a human can do, but is essential and thus that painful process should be celebrated as you surpass the person you once were to become a fuller version of yourself.

A wonderful Australian man who happens to be one of the most admirable, ethical, and passionate business owners I have ever met (Gary Ryan of Vie 13 Kustom Apparel, please patronize his business) once told me, "There is a difference between being a human and being human. I strive to be more of the latter." I strive for the same and to always grow as a person. I hope to some day influence the world around me enough for others to feel they should do the same.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I really enjoy meeting people from all over and learning from them. Additionally, connecting with people from all over helps connect us as a world community and strengthens my resolve in making the world a better place in any way I can.

Interests

I have a passion for science, music, art, cooking, bicycling, and at one point I was a competitive gamer. What I am really, truly, interested in though is being a positive force in the world and to do what I can to help people live long lives full of happiness. I have been through a lot of pain in my life and decided long ago that I would use what I have available to me to try to keep others from going through that pain or to at least be there to support others when they do. I am a collector of knowledge and skills and acquire as much as I can.

• arts
• design
• cooking
• socializing
• music
• engineering
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Any Haruki Murakami book. I have enjoyed many other works of fiction, but frankly the list would be a pretty odd conglomeration of titles. I enjoy a good movie (although scientific documentaries are more my thing) but I am not really a fan of modern horror. I like almost any type of music. I play many instruments including guitar, drums, singing, and many more. I used to front fairly aggressive bands, but also wrote a lot of music that is more appealing to a broader fan base. However, I have not done anything musical in a few years after being burned by people in the music industry I thought were friends.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I was 11 years old I traveled to Uganda with my mother and step-father. The experience was profoundly eye-opening and set the tone for how I have lived my life since then.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a very skilled cook, musician, and artist. I have a great deal of knowledge I have acquired over the years, and a thirst to learn more. I'm a positive and respectful person who is very open-minded and considers all perspectives in conversation. I don't know how much I can physically share with hosts as most of what I posses is just who I am. However, I would bring my best self forward in exchange for the generosity of allowing me into your home.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Uganda

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States