I am 24 years old. I am currently working part time as a Social Worker for a non-profit mental health agency in Chicago while I pursue my Masters Degree in Social Work. My girlfriend, Becca, lives with me and works as a Physical Therapist. We are both liberal, feminist, easy going people. We enjoy playing cards and board games, traveling (when possible), exploring Chicago and going on adventures, and reading. We aspire to live minimally, live ethically, and hope to one day learn Spanish.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I used couch surfing extensively when I backpacked through China earlier last summer. Through Couchsurfing, I met so many amazing, beautiful people and was so grateful for their kindness and hospitality. Now that I am in a position that I am able to host people myself, I am hoping to repay their kindness by hosting others at Becca and my apartment in northern Chicago. Becca and I both enjoy meeting new people, and are hoping to learn more about the world from those we host.

Interests

Ellie: Reading, activism, politics, mental health, creating art, Buddhist philosophy, cooking (vegetarian), traveling and being outside.

Becca: Running long distance, soccer, rock-climbing, cooking (also vegetarian), ancient world history, reading super nerdy nonfiction books, and guitar.

• arts
• cooking
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• drawing
• music
• backpacking
• psychology
• social work

Music, Movies, and Books

Ellie
Music:
The strumbellas, Iron and Wine, Lana del Rey, Wild Child, Beirut.
Movies:
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Lady in the Van, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Big Fish.
Books:
The things they carried, Kafka on the Shore, Elegance of the Hedgehog, Bel Canto, Song of Solomon, Their Eyes were Watching God, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying.

Becca:
Music: Alternative Folk... basically everything but rap and country.
Books: Magicians of the God's, Under the Udala Tree, Eating Animals, The Amazons, The Divine Spark, The Hummingbirds Daughter, Born to Run.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Ellie: I backpacked through China by myself last summer, it was an amazing experience!

Becca: I ran a blissful 50 mile ultra marathon! Also backpacked through Europe for 3 weeks :)

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I'm not sure, but would love to talk about anything that interests you
Learn: Any language! We also love to learn about different countries, cultures, different people's spiritual and philosophical beliefs.
Share: Food, beer, a place to sleep, and book recommendations.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Conversation, stories, music

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, United States