CURRENT MISSION

to boost it.

ABOUT ME

I'm a senior at Grinnell College in Iowa studying history and anthropology. I love roadtrips, meeting people, and learning, and I haven't found a better recipe for that than couch surfing.

PHILOSOPHY

I love connections. In high school I went to a jazz camp and roomed with a kid I had never met before. We were both scared little sophomores, trying to blend in, and neither one of us really made the effort to become friends. Fast forward a few years, and I meet a great dude at college. A few weeks later, we're exchanging stories about high school and discover that we both went to this jazz camp. Sure enough, this kid, who is now one of my house mates and best friends, was that awkward kid sleeping in a bed above me for a week 3 years ago. So I guess that's my philosophy now- something between believing in fate and appreciating dumb luck.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

My house is open but inconvenient for most people. If anyone's ever coming over I-80, holler! I've only surfed a few times, most notably through Greece- I met great people and made some new friends.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I hung out with the Istanbul group a lot while I was living there last year, and then I surfed thruogh Greece with a friend. Now that I'm back I'm looking to returnt the favor.

Interests

Man, I'm interested in most things. I'm always up for a good (or really bad) movie; I love hearing new types of music; I play Ultimate Frisbee and saxophone, and I love jazz. I'm terrible with food but I love eating it, live music is always great, the outdoors, the indoors, the internet, certain television, it's all interesting.

I can't really think of a better way to spend my time than talking with people- it's weird to think that conversation may be my number one interest, but one-on-one exchange is really remarkable. I've kind of discovered that I can be anywhere as long as I'm there with someone, which is both a comforting and kind of frightening thought.

• dining
• socializing
• music
• live music
• jazz
• outdoor activities
• camping
• surfing
• anthropology
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Art Blakey, all the other jazz legends

Mountain Goats, Joni Mitchell, Colin Hay, The Allman Brothers, CCR, Bone Thugs, Notorious BIG, The Beatles, John Mayer, man this is hard to do....

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've seen the Apprentice Boys parade in Northern Ireland and learned how conflict can rip communities apart. Maybe that's a bit morose, but to actually speak with people involved in the Northern Irish conflict and hear their stories was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

If anyone wants to learn how to throw a disc or learn more about Ultimate Frisbee, I'm your dude. Other than that, I can offer a privileged kid's view on life from the midwest.

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