Hi! I'm Hanghang, an incoming graduate student in Counselor Education at The Ohio State University. I previously completed my bachelor's and master's degrees in Economics at Sun Yat-sen University in China. In 2015, I was an exchange student at UC Berkeley on the W.T. Chan Fellowship, which focused on "education for service."

I used to work in finance in China but decided to pursue a different path. I became a philosophical practitioner, collaborating with a group of French philosophical practitioners. My work involved helping people reflect on their situations when they were stuck or had questions. Over time, I realized that many adult problems stem from childhood, which inspired me to pursue a new path in school counseling. This spring, I was accepted by five different universities and chose Ohio State's program for its excellent reputation and alignment with my goals: to support the youth holistically.

Reflecting on my twenties, I see a time filled with misery, dwelling on past negative experiences and struggling with self-doubt. In my thirties, I've begun to recognize the brighter side of my personality, uncovering a newfound drive and enthusiasm for life. While I now experience increased happiness and lightness, I am still grappling with ADHD, which was diagnosed two years ago. I aim to develop personally and professionally as I pursue my studies.

In addition to my professional journey, I've traveled to more than 20 provinces in China and visited countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore, Thailand, Dubai, and Taiwan. My travels have enriched my life and broadened my horizons by allowing me to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

I enjoy engaging in conversations, swimming, doing yoga, hiking, watching stand-up comedy and talk shows, reading non-fiction books, listening to music, and watching educational documentaries about the universe. These days, I've been learning English through "House of Cards." I used to have a negative opinion of the show due to the manipulative characters, but now I am trying to understand people who are different from me.

I hope to connect with hosts who share similar interests or are simply curious about different cultures and perspectives. I believe that staying with locals can offer a unique and enriching experience, and I am excited about the possibility of exchanging stories and learning from each other.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe that the best way to travel is through the eyes of locals and to make genuine connections in each place I visit. Couchsurfing offers a unique opportunity to experience a destination from a local's perspective, which makes travel more fun and enriching. It helps me revise my convictions about the world, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

Joining Couchsurfing allows me to step out of my comfort zone and connect with people in a more meaningful way than traditional accommodations allow. I look forward to making new friends, sharing stories, and learning from each other's experiences. This platform aligns perfectly with my desire to see the world through diverse lenses and to create lasting memories with the people I meet along the way.

Interests

I enjoy engaging in conversations, swimming, doing yoga, hiking, watching stand-up comedy and talk shows, reading non-fiction books, listening to music, and watching educational documentaries about the universe. These days, I've been learning English through "House of Cards." I used to have a negative opinion of the show due to the manipulative characters, but now I am trying to understand people who are different from me.

• cats
• dogs
• culture
• education
• yoga
• reading
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• surfing
• swimming
• philosophy
• psychology
• volunteering
• documentary
• counseling
• conversations
• stand-up comedy
• non-fiction

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy reading a variety of books, including "Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter" by Simone de Beauvoir. I also appreciate the works of authors such as Karen Horney, William Somerset Maugham, Erich Fromm, and Bertrand Russell. My reading interests span genres like self-motivation and non-fiction on psychology, society, and history.

In terms of music, I listen to a diverse range of genres. I enjoy the works of Yo-Yo Ma and Ryuichi Sakamoto, as well as world music, meditation music, spiritual music, and classical music.

When it comes to movies, I have a particular fondness for historical films, dramas, and comedies. I am especially a fan of films by Aamir Khan, whose work I find both entertaining and thought-provoking.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I realized how little material I need to live and how greedy I used to be. I helped my mom compartmentalize and organize all her clutter accumulated over the years, helping her transition to a life without hoarding.

I reconciled with my past negative experiences and pursued my passion, never giving up despite others' expectations of how I should live. I've always been exploring and striving to bring out the best version of myself, eventually being admitted to graduate school after several years of working.

During my gap year as a volunteer teacher in Tibet, I raised about 50,000 US dollars for underprivileged students.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can offer one-on-one philosophical consultations if the host is interested. I have experience helping people reflect on their situations and find clarity through philosophical dialogue. Additionally, I would love to engage in conversations with the host on any topics they are interested in. I enjoy discussing a wide range of subjects, from psychology and philosophy to travel and culture. I can also share insights into Chinese culture, including its traditions, language, and history. I'm always eager to learn from others and share my own experiences and knowledge.

What I Can Share with Hosts

If the host is interested, I can offer one-on-one philosophical consultations. I can also help with household chores such as cleaning. Additionally, I can assist in cooking. I'm always eager to learn from others and share my own skills and knowledge.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Seychelles, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, France, United States