**Student Studying Abroad Hoping to See the World**

Hello! My name is Eric and I am 22 years old. I was born and raised in Southern California and went to school at UC Berkeley for a degree in Cognitive Science. I finished my school requirements and had the option to study abroad so I jumped at the opportunity to study in Florence, Italy and Berlin, Germany.

I love to play sports and be outdoors. In high school I was part of my school's cross country team for 4 years. Besides running I love to hike, play basketball, and play volleyball. I also really like to go paintballing and snowboarding whenever I can. Besides sports, I really like to play the guitar and the ukelele for fun.

I am always really curious to learn new things whether it's a random fact or a new skill. I believe in the concept that you should 'always be learning' in order to grow and improve yourself.

My friends say I am easy-going guy and a good listener and I hope that you will also think so when we meet!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am on Couchsurfing because I love to meet new people and hear about their stories as well as share my own. While we live in a world that is connected through social media, I firmly believe that the best way to really connect with someone is through meeting them in person and having a pleasant conversation. Through couchsurfing I hope to meet new and interesting people to connect with, learn from, and exchange stories with.

Interests

• running
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• paintballing
• skiing
• snowboarding
• sports
• nature

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite Song: Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammer | Shelter by Porter Robinson | Nuvole Bianche by Ludovico Einaudi)

Favorite Movie: Saving Private Ryan | Inception

Favorite Book: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

So many great moments. Hope to add to the list.

In California:
-Ran a mile in under 5 minutes
-Flying a private plane over the Orange County and Los Angeles Region
-Snowboarding in Squaw Valley, CA (Lake Tahoe Region)
-Surfing at Huntington Beach, CA
-Hiking all around Northern and Southern California
-Cliff Diving in Crescent Bay, CA
-Listened to Jurassic Park Theme Song while driving through Sequoia National Park
-Slacklining on the London Plane Trees at UC Berkeley

While Abroad:
-Hot Springs in Beitou, Taiwan
-MMA workout in Baguio, Philippines
-Saw the Colosseum, Pantheon, and The Vatican in Rome, Italy
-Rode Bikes through Amsterdam

Teach, Learn, Share

One of the things I love to share are inspirational and insightful quotes. My favorite person to quote is John Wooden who was a famous basketball coach for UCLA. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from Coach Wooden as well as a few other well known figures:

"Little things make big things happen" -John Wooden

"Wherever you are be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God" -Jim Elliot

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do" -John Wooden

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple" -Dr. Seuss

"Whether you think you can, or you can't -- you're right" -Henry Ford

What I Can Share with Hosts

The best thing I can share with others are my experiences from high school, college, and my time spent abroad. Throughout my young adulthood I've learned a lot about life, overcoming challenges, psychology, travelling in the United States as well as abroad, various sports, and much more.

The only way to really unpack any of those experiences though is if we meet and share a conversation together. I look forward to meeting you!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Philippines, Spain, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, Taiwan, United States