"A doctorate in science and a theologian's dream..." - "Beat A Drum" by R.E.M.

I'm a couple of things. On one hand, I recently earned my graduate degree in cancer biology (hence the "doctorate in science" part, although I think my parents still wish it were a "degree in medicine"!). That's what I'm spending most of my time doing.

And don't get me wrong, science is extremely rewarding. It's one of the most demanding things I've ever done, sure, but it's inherently satisfying and fun. But when I'm not doing science (or during the duller moments of science), I'm thinking about Bigger Questions. How can I be a more compassionate person? How can I better love those who need it most? And what does it mean to give back to my community, to the world?

But I'd love to know more about you! What brought you here? What excites you about life? Where are you going? I've got questions if you've got answers.

Dlaczego jestem na Couchsurfing

Honestly, because my girlfriend suggested that I do it. She's an avid couchsurfer and recommended that we try it when we go traveling abroad. Recently, I have stayed with some wonderful people in Vancouver and elsewhere, and I’m excited to expand my horizons (literally) and meet people all around the world.

I'm not available right not to host couchsurfers but I'm interested in doing so once I've settled down back in Portland.

Zainteresowania

• reading
• science
• theology
• creative writing

Muzyka, filmy i książki

Books: Lots, but my favorites are those by the transcendentalists (especially Emerson and Thoreau) and early 20th century American writers (especially Fitzgerald and Steinbeck). Also, I have a special place in my heart for Stephen King, whose writing goes down so smooth. I'll take prolonged walks around the neighborhood while listening to one of his audiobooks because I'm so badly hooked!

Movies: Favorite movie is It's A Wonderful Life. I'll watch it every Christmas. Not only do I love its cornball sentimentality, but it's a great opportunity to break out my horrific Jimmy Stewart impression. ("Mary, Mary...where's Mary?")

Shows: The best TV show I've ever seen is Justified, about a troubled Southern cowboy marshall fighting baddies in his childhood stomping grounds. The writing is pure Southern poetry. I've always wanted to have Martha Stewart-esque evenings where my friends and I enjoy Southern food, drink Southern drinks, and watch episodes of Justified together. Hasn't happened yet but it's only a matter of time, I think.

Music: Favorite band is R.E.M. (as evidenced by the quote above!). It's embarrassing the number of essays I wrote in college while they played in the background. (I prefer the "single song on repeat" method, which produces a hypnotic trance where you time becomes meaningless and the only that grounds you to reality is the thing you're typing. Crazy, I know!)

Jedna niesamowita rzecz, którą zrobiłem(-am)

Can't think of anything, honestly, but give me a couple years and I'll have a better answer!

Ucz innych, ucz się sam, udostępniaj

Teach: Biology, especially cancer biology, if you're interested in talking about that kind of thing. Reading and writing, although I'm not familiar with many of the modern authors. And how to do a pretty decent Harry Potter impression with your face.

Learn: Everything. Like Sam Cooke, I don't know much about a whole bunch of things. I'm pretty ignorant about history, philosophy, religion, psychology, experiences, life, etc. And while I know how to make guacamole, if you're willing to give me your guac recipe (or any delicious recipe, in fact), I'll be eternally grateful!

Share: Anything and everything, honestly. My life is an open book! Sure, that book might drag on in parts and the main character might have done some pretty dumb things in a couple chapters, but the book's getting better, I swear! (I hope!)

Czym mogę się podzielić z gospodarzami

Conversation over drinks (that I purchased, of course; it's the least I could do). Shooting the shit is one of my favorite hobbies!

Kraje, w których byłem(-am)

Canada, Costa Rica, England, France, Honduras, Jamaica, Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, Taiwan

Kraje, w których mieszkałem(-am)

United States