CURRENT MISSION

To live life to the fullest and discover as much of the world as I can and in the process completely discover myself.

ABOUT ME

I am once again living abroad, only this time independently without the safety net provided by an American University and 39 other American colleagues. It is a constant challenge to improve my language capabilities, communicate, make friends, and discover myself. I must say that it is also the most international experience of my life - living in Germany, having a Chinese roommate, and meeting many other individuals from various other countries. One could definitely explain this year as lessons in multiculturalism. It is not always easy but I am loving every minute of (yes even the depressing moments) because it is a truly rewarding experience. My time and my life itself are completely my own - I decide how and with whom or on what activity to spend it.
There are often moments where I am nervous or fearful that I will embarrass myself but then I think about this quote from Steve Jobs and realize that I really don't have anything to lose or to fear. "Because almost everything, all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose."
I have a large appetite for learning. I love to experience new cultures, new foods, new ideas, and new places. I strongly feel that everyone that comes into my life contributes something to my individual growth and I hope that I am able to contribute to their development as well.

PHILOSOPHY

I have many philosophies that shape different arenas of my life. One comes from a quote from Steve Jobs and it is discussed in my "about me" section. "Because almost everything, all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose."
Another philosophy I live by: when deciding whether or not I want to do something "If I don't try this experience am I going to regret it? What do I have to lose? If I don't try this what will I be doing instead? Will the alternative activity be something rewarding that I will remember?"
Finally the other philosophy I will share: I believe in always doing what I can to make the world a better place. It is always possible to help out fellow human beings and to bridge the gaps of culture and bring about more understanding.

One of my big life goals is to see/experience at least one place that I've never been before each year. You only grow old when you stop learning and experiencing new things!

Dlaczego jestem na Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Currently I am new to the CS community and am still exploring the ways in which I can contribute. Perhaps I will be contributing my paralegal skills and help with the drafting of legal documents?

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

So far I have only surfed at the home of some close friends of mine. They are the ones who convinced me to join this website. I am looking forward to having interesting new experiences in the future.

Zainteresowania

Travel, debate, politics, reading, expanding my mind, yoga, coffee, karaoke, dancing, new foods, the outdoors, trying new things...and so many more!

• culture
• dancing
• coffee
• yoga
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• karaoke
• outdoor activities
• law

Muzyka, filmy i książki

Books: Three Cups of Tea, The Handmaiden's Tale, Oryx and Crake, Wuthering Heights, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and many more - I love reading!

Music: Dave Matthews Band, Feist, Imogen Heap, Regina Spector, Jem, Death Cab for Cutie, Snow Patrol, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Timbaland, Brett Dennen, Maroon 5, Jose Gonzalez, Missy Higgins, I'll listen to pretty much anything depending on my mood. I am not the biggest country fan although occasionally I do listen to Garth Brooks and a few other country artists.

Movies: Thank You For Smoking, Das Leben der Anderen, Die Fetten Jahren Sind Vorbei, Sophie Scholl, Gone With the Wind, Memoirs of a Geisha

Jedna niesamowita rzecz, którą zrobiłem(-am)

Too many of my experiences have been amazing in different ways - it is too difficult for me to name just one and it is better for them to be related to specific topics.

Ucz innych, ucz się sam, udostępniaj

I think that the most important contribution that CS can make is cultural understanding. So much of the conflict in the world comes from misunderstanding and the failure of people to see others from different backgrounds as people with similar thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I hope to understand more cultures, teach about my own, and ultimately through sharing to make the world a better place with less conflict. It might sound idealistic but ultimately it is probably the best solution we have.

Kraje, w których byłem(-am)

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City State

Kraje, w których mieszkałem(-am)

Austria, Germany, United States

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