I'm an enthusiastic young Californian that's passionate about connection, community, communication, and exploration. Connections fuel me; I am fascinated by people and appreciate any chance to meet new friends.

I currently reside in Berkeley, California, but jump at any opportunity to travel outside of the Bay Area. I travel because I love seeing how and where others live and organize themselves. The highlight of every trip I've had is making new friends and exploring with them.

Event production is a big part of my life, both for work and for play. I'm currently involved with two event production companies that put on immersive theater events and transformational festivals, respectively. I'm also one of the leaders of my BurningMan camp, and have previously organized equestrian and college debate competitions. I organize events because I like bringing people together for something special, and because I appreciate the community they create.

I've enjoyed being a beginner this year, and have started learning film photography, skiing, and more. I've recently put an emphasis in my life on playing. I believe that being playful, both with myself and with others, is the best way to have fun and remedy the stress of every day life.

I studied politics in university, and am passionate about international relations and US foreign policy. I find comparative politics particularly interesting, especially electoral systems. I find this interesting because I like understanding how people organize themselves.

I am excited to meet you!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting new people, and I think that staying with someone local would be the best way for me to understand a new city. While seeing some of the main, tourist sights is fun, I also want to see whichever city I am in through the eyes of a local.

I value connection and community, and want to make new friends while traveling.

Interests

• books
• photography
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• music
• live music
• friends
• communication
• community

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite book:
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

Last winter, I bought a plane ticket to Scandinavia in the dead of winter on impulse as a reaction to a broken heart. I convinced some dear friends to run away to the birch trees and stone buildings and blizzards. We ended up taking a respite from the north to spend a few days down in Prague, which is still my favorite city to this day.
It turns out that crossing an ocean doesn't fix an aching heart, but the stunning history of the city combined with the snow and my love of travel helped me reach a mindset that was caught somewhere between melancholy, in love, homesick, lost but found... On one sleeting Sunday afternoon, I stayed in doors and read Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
This novel takes place in the Czech Republic under communist rule. It's filled with quotes that resonate deep in my belly. A few months later, I took what turned out to be my favorite course in college, about the Democratization of Eastern Europe. I learned about how important the writers were to this movement — in fact, Czech Republic's first elected president after the Velvet Revolution (fall of Communism) was Václav Havel, a playwright. I wish I had known the history of the written word in Prague before reading the novel, but now I can look back in appreciation.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach: photography, the language of flowers, basic digital marketing and event production tips, letter writing

I'd like to learn: phrases in other languages, instruments, sewing

It would be nice to share: a meal, good conversation, an adventure, music

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States