CURRENT MISSION

Nurture the gaming community in Detroit and welcome more (especially Black) people into the hobby.

ABOUT ME

I’m renovating a house I bought in Detroit because I was inspired by the Couch House in Cleveland. I enjoy talking with the surfers that stay with me but I’m also happy to go out and do things, especially if those things include karaoke. I love powerlifting and I’m getting into woodworking and silversmithing.

I own a tabletop game store in Detroit called Opal Grove Games. My job in tech finances it. 😅

PHILOSOPHY

I try to live my life in service to people who don’t have the level of privilege I do. I teach and do a ton of public speaking because it’s the best way I’ve found to learn.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I want to show people that Detroit isn't just all the terrible things they see on the news. It's home to vibrant, creative communities building some amazing things.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've done some couchsurfing with friends. I stayed at my friend's apartment in London over my Spring Break sophomore year. I also spent three weeks driving out west and back, doing community service and immersing myself in local culture along the way. We slept on quite a few church couches! I've immensely enjoyed my experiences surfing in Philly, Detroit, Rennes, Rio, and LA!

Interests

I love, love, love musical theatre. There's this electric feeling I get right before I go out on stage that I've never felt anywhere else. I'm also an avid reader. I enjoy all kinds of books from many different time periods. Singing is how I express myself. I often randomly burst into song. I played soccer for ten years and I miss being on a team!

I’ve got a small gym in my basement (which surfers are welcome to use) so that I can do my powerlifting workouts at home. I’m working on a shop for my woodworking and silversmithing but space is tight!

• singing
• powerlifting
• traveling
• woodworking
• metalworking
• soccer
• volunteering
• jewelry making
• software development

Music, Movies, and Books

I love myths and faerie tales. I can't get enough of Greek and Roman mythology. (I love Hadestown!) I listen to all kinds of music but mostly showtunes (Broadway) and anything that’s fun to sing along with. As Good As It Gets, My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding, That Old Feeling, Last Holiday, and The Princess Bride are my go-to nostalgic faves.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I participated in a program at my university called Global Outreach. In January of 2012, I lived and worked for a week in Camden, New Jersey with ten of the most amazing people I've ever known. We grew to truly love each other in that week as we learned from the people of Camden. We had such a wide range of experiences working in a homeless shelter, nursing homes, a wheelchair community, a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a gathering place for people with AIDS, a pre-k, and many other places. We bonded with two other school groups and with a few of the members of the local community. It was absolutely beautiful and one of the best experiences of my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

In order to keep your balance on a unicycle, it's important to keep your back straight and not lean over too far to either side.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’ll happily introduce you to the gaming community that’s sprung up around our store. If you’re interested in tech, I can probably point you in the direction of a meetup or connect you with someone local. Im usually working at the store evenings and weekends but my days are more flexible, so I’d love to visit museums or parks together.

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, Canada, France, India, Romania, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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