ABOUT ME

I am a young California native always on the lookout for adventure. I am a social butterfly, looking to connect and communicate with people in a purposeful way. A simple smile can go a long way. I am packed with high energy, spirit, positive vibes, and passionate opinions.

My whole life changed when I decided to study abroad in New Zealand starting in July 2013. I basically stayed within the sunny borders of California until just recently. I came to New Zealand and met wonderful people with diverse backgrounds and cultures, became humbled by the powerful New Zealand landscape, and gained a new perspective.

I acquired a work scholarship in New Zealand for the Bio-Protection Centre studying gene expression in a fungus related to plant immunity and phytohormone biosynthesis pathways. I am planning to use this money to travel to neighboring Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia in February 2014. I am so ecstatic to take part in some independent travel and cross paths with some remarkable people. Bring it!!!

PHILOSOPHY

MAN, IT'S AWESOME TO BE YOUNG. Life is too damn short. These four years of university are probably some of the best, carefree years of my life. However, I am making it a goal for my 20's to be even MORE fun-filled, adventurous, reflective, broadening, and constructive. I am at a time in my life where everything is flexible: I can choose to pursue a Master's degree in New Zealand, hitchhike across Europe, take a year off and live in paradise in Thailand, or volunteer on a conservation biology project in Brazil. I don't have any real commitments yet - just a limitless path, and I am definitely going to ride that wave while it still lasts.

Interests

Conservation biology: My personal passion is ecological research fused together with environmentalism. I am quite open to other perspectives, especially agriculture and other resource use. The real question is: How can humans use their resources sustainably and live in sync with other organisms? I see an aesthetic value in roaring waterfalls, gracefully swimming sea turtles, mischeivous Kea parrots, rolling green hills, bursting scarlet-orange sunrises, and even the tiniest microbes.

Food: Anybody who has hung around with me knows that I eat constantly. I am a sucker for some tasty cuisine. I am always looking for new, daring recipes to try. I figure that I can improve my cooking skills in this way. I find cooking to be relaxing and especially an enjoyable experience with others. There's nothing better than putting together a delicious feast with friends. My favorite things to eat are spicy noodle dishes, cheese, heirloom tomatoes, curries, and anything pickled.

Nightlife & Concerts: I enjoy hitting the bars and clubs with friends to dance the night away, meet new people, and drink some great beer. I love attending music festivals and grooving to talented artists and DJs. I will blow big bucks to go see a beloved artist of mine at an amazing venue.

• concerts
• music festivals
• festivals
• dancing
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• cheese
• beer
• nightlife
• drinking
• clubbing
• traveling
• music
• swimming
• agriculture
• biology
• study abroad
• volunteering
• mountains

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Bungy jumped on a sunny day over a beautiful lake in Taupo, NZ and got dipped in the water

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Ireland, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Viet Nam