CURRENT MISSION

Do science. Explore the world. Be happy.

ABOUT ME

I have wild curly hair and an adventurous spirit. I love music, theater, Scrabble, contra dancing, political activism, philosophical discussions, and of course science. I also just enjoy hanging out with my friends - watching movies, going out to eat, whatever.

I was born and raised in California, but I have spent the past four years attending a small liberal arts college in Ohio, pursuing my bachelor's degree. I will be graduating in Spring 2013 with degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry. In the fall of 2013, I will be beginning a PhD program in Biophysics. I love scientific research, and much of my free time is spent in the lab.

In the summer of 2013, I am setting off on an epic backpacking trip through Europe, which is why I joined this site. I am interested in experiencing Europe through the eyes of the locals, not just by going to the various tourist attractions.

Starting in the fall of 2013, however, I will probably also be able to host surfers, and am looking forward to that!

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that the secret to living a happy life is balance: balance between idealism and pragmatism, between time for others and time for yourself, between work and play. I try to listen to myself and trust myself to know what the appropriate balance is for my life.

I also believe that all of us as humans should be constantly striving to make the world a better place. We live in a brutal world, and it is much more brutal for some than for others. We should be constantly seeking to erase the inequalities that exist between us.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have no experience with Couchsurfing. However, I love hosting guests at my apartment here in Ohio. I also have some experience with being a guest in a foreign country: 5 years ago, when I was 15, I went to Thailand and did a two-week homestay with a Thai family in a rural village.

Interests

Broadway musicals, singing, theater, politics, books, art and culture more generally, contra dancing, exploring new cities, chocolate, Scrabble and other card/board games, intellectual discussions, movies, riding my bike, spending time with friends and family.

• arts
• culture
• books
• singing
• theater
• dancing
• chocolate
• politics
• movies
• board games
• music
• cycling
• backpacking
• chemistry
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

My music interests are always expanding and changing, so I won't bore you with listing all of the bands and artists that I like.

As for books, some of my favorite books are: The Remains of the Day, The Handmaid's Tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Crime and Punishment, To Kill A Mockingbird, Brave New World, Oryx and Crake, Perks of Being a Wallflower, 1984, Animal Farm, No Exit, Middlesex, The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, the Harry Potter books, The Scarlet Letter, The Lovely Bones, The Giver, Lord of the Flies, and His Dark Materials trilogy.

Some of my favorite movies: Finding Nemo, The Social Network, Life of Pi, Silver Linings Playbook, Midnight in Paris, Brave, Moonrise Kingdom, Fight Club, Waitress, Dirty Dancing, Tuck Everlasting, The Remains of the Day, Memento, Inception, Atonement, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The King's Speech, Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Up in the Air, Little Miss Sunshine, Beautiful Thing, Matilda, In America, Peter Pan, Election, The Reader, Bend it Like Beckham, Zoolander, Black Swan, V for Vendetta, American Beauty, Chocolat, The Breakfast Club, Harold and Maude, Heavenly Creatures.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Riding an elephant in Thailand when I was 15.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Mexico, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Thailand, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States