CURRENT MISSION

To experience other cultures and perspectives. I believe all of humanity is connected, and once that connection is established between individuals, we can learn from each other and make the world a better place.

ABOUT ME

After college I became immersed with finding ways to improve the lives of people in need, not necessarily through charity or donations, but through empowerment and building skills in individuals who have never had a chance to achieve their potential. Through my work at the local level, it became clear that a global community has emerged that understands the importance of finding connections with groups and individuals across the world in order to have a broader, more powerful impact. I believe this can be achieved through collaboration, immersion in different cultures, and resources like CouchSurfing.

I hope to broaden my perspective and share experiences with people from all over, and to learn about new philosophies and ways of life.

I also believe that seeking truth and wisdom, spreading love, and fighting for justice are the reasons I was put on this earth. Traveling and meeting new people around the world is an essential part of that mission :-)

Fernando Santillan | Create Your Badge

PHILOSOPHY

We all have 24 hours in a day. What makes people truly great is what they choose to do with their 24 hours.

Truth. Justice. Love. Nothing else matters (except maybe football).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I recently joined a couple of CS groups here in Fresno and hope to be more involved with the CS community going forward. I moved into a two-bedroom apartment in June 2012, which will now allow me to host CSers in my extra room!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have not had the pleasure of couch surfing yet (newbie), but I'm hoping that my first trip to Europe will allow me to make connections with awesome new people around the world.

Interests

Doing good, helping others realize their potential, promoting justice and truth, finding ways to use technology and business for purposes other than to make a profit, nature, snowboarding, futbol, learning from others, hiking, web development, economics, music.

• performing arts
• coachella
• festivals
• technology
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• surfing
• snowboarding
• soccer
• business
• economics

Music, Movies, and Books

I love biographies and autobiographies. I don't read a whole lot of fiction, but I am interested in books about travel, philosophy, technology, democracy, and justice.

As far as movies go, my favorite are independent foreign films (Y Tu Mama Tambien, etc.). Documentaries about social issues are also up there.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Coachella Music Festival in 2007 and 2008 is definitely up there with amazing times I've had in my life. I went in 2007 for the first time specifically to watch Rage Against the Machine's come-back performance, but it ended up being a truly unforgettable experience overall mainly because of the friends I made there. I met people from all over the world (Australia, Europe, South America). I had so much fun that year that I talked my friends from back home into going the following year, and we had an equally awesome time. I haven't been back to Coachella recently just because of work and bad timing, but I definitely hope to go to Lollapalooza in Chicago and T in the Park in Edinburgh within the next two years!

In the summer of 2011, my brother and I climbed Half Dome at Yosemite National Park in California. Our experience was truly unique because we didn't start the hike until 1:30 pm (you're supposed to start at 6:00 am or earlier) for the 16.5 mile (26.5 km) hike. We made it all the way up, but on the way down, we were left without any light after the sun had set. Needless to say, it was very dangerous, but an experience that we will never forget!

And of course, my trip through Europe in 2012 should prove to be pretty exciting as well! I definitely will share my adventure through CouchSurfing.com!

Teach, Learn, Share

I often make websites for people in my community for free. I would love to teach people how to make basic websites for their non-profit organization or other charitable purposes.

Countries I’ve Visited

Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Mexico, United States

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