After I graduated college in 2015, I wanted to get an additional type of education--the kind gained by traveling the world! I traveled to Abu Dhabi to be a governess for an expat family there. On the way, I stopped in Iceland and Italy! After my job there ended, I headed to Egypt to volunteer to teach English at an orphanage. Being there as the only foreigner and not knowing Arabic was one the hardest, lonely, emotional, and meaningful experiences of my life. I hope I was able to impact the people there as much as they impacted me!

I also backpacked through Israel, Jordan, and parts of Europe. At first, the idea of traveling the world alone was quite intimidating and scary to me, but I'm so glad I pushed through the fear and the butterflies in my stomach and found the adventure that was awaiting me!

At first, I was wondering if it was selfish to travel--I don't like living in a "me-centered" way. However, one of my professors pointed out that traveling is no more "selfish" than getting an education. Just as an education costs time and money, so does travel, but both can prepare me to be a person who can love and serve better in my life and career as I learn more about the world and different cultures.

I now work in Texas in written and video journalism/PR, and I am working toward my Master's degree, but I am going to still travel every chance I can get! I feel so claustrophobic here in America--I need to keep getting out there and traveling!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My hope is to meet locals while I'm traveling because I want to learn about other places and experience other cultures, meet cool people, and hear others' life stories! And of course, have fun!

Interests

I love storytelling, whether it be through my journalistic writing, films, or theater. I directed a musical at my college last year and have also written, directed, and acted in short films and a web-series. I hope that during my travels I'll be able to experience, learn, or come up with new stories. When I was trying to decide whether to travel, or whether to go straight into film work, a friend pointed out that if I want to be a storyteller through film, I need to get out there in the world and hear more stories than just the American one.

I also love singing, dancing, writing, reading, and adventures.

• writing
• singing
• theater
• dancing
• tango
• waltz
• education
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• knitting
• teaching
• volunteering

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach the basics of swing, waltz, foxtrot, tango, cha-cha, and the Virginia Reel! I can also teach random things like paper quilling or knitting. I was also a tutor at my college, so I can help with academics or editing.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Laughter, my zest for life, silly or serious conversation, and being an adventure buddy.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Cyprus, Egypt, England, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Oman, Scotland, United Arab Emirates

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States