I have suffered from severe depression since middle school, and have only recently begun to overcome it, though recently I have had to contend with mania, which is a completely different beast. It is as if a tap has been opened inside my head, and the ideas keep coming. I want to do everything. I have taken up the guitar, and I have begun learning German, and I have so many, oh so many plans that I want to put into motion.

The depression has molded me into the person I am today. I like to believe that I am compassionate and open-minded, though I am not beyond calling people out on their shit, so to speak.

The mania, on the other hand, has enabled me to do truly great things. This is the second phase of my life. Together, they are enough to make me believe in fate or destiny, or predeterminism, or whatever you want to call it.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Unfortunately, people (even those you have known most of your life) don't take sudden changes in disposition well, and that is exactly what I have experienced over the past several months: I have been transformed from a mopey and depressed adolescent into a fully functional and highly productive adult.

Many of my friends and family do not understand this transition and have consequently turned their backs on me; my parents have kicked me out, and I have nowhere I can stay save for in my car. I have turned to couchsurfing in the hopes of finding a place to stay, even if for only a night.

I understand that you, as a host, might have reservations about allowing someone who suffers from mental illness into your home. I can give you my word that I am mentally stable, but I would not ask a complete stranger to take me at my word. It is true, you would be taking a risk by hosting me, but in order to fully experience life, you have to take risks sometimes. In my experience, good things often come of taking risks.

Interests

Music (both playing and listening)
Philosophy
Mathematics
Logic
Meeting interesting people
Spontaneity

• cooking
• drinking
• music
• guitar
• logic
• mathematics
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite Album: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel
Favorite TV Show: Firefly by Joss Whedon
Favorite Fiction Book: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Favorite Non-Fiction Book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Participated in the REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Program at Harvard University

What I Can Share with Hosts

Life Philosophy
Insights into Human Behavior
Music (including playing guitar)
Cooking (if you provide ingredients)
Mixed Drinks (again, if you provide ingredients)
Knowledge of Science, Mathematics, etc.

Countries I’ve Visited

Indonesia, Mexico, Netherlands, United Kingdom