CURRENT MISSION

To make Summer 2012 one to remember and experience as much of Europe as I can.

ABOUT ME

23 years old. Born and raised in Edmonton. Family consists of my Mom, and a 21 year old younger brother. Study Medicine at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Avid runner, competed on the varsity Cross Country and Track and Field teams. Love the outdoors, the Rocky Mountains could be the greatest place on Earth. There is nothing quite like and all day hike or scrambling a giant mountain.

PHILOSOPHY

At only 23 years of age I'm sure that my personal philosophy will continue to evolve. I know I don't have nearly all the answers but there are something that I have come to hold true. Like a Kantian I believe that a person must always be treated as an end and never a mean. That is to say always treat people with compassion. Do what you can to bring more good into the world. Strive to reach your goals and decide for yourself what is important to you, be careful not to follow the path that someone else sets out for you. And, of course, enjoy life. Find pleasure in every day and work toward things that make you happy.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Couch surfed three times back in the Summer of 2010 and had an unbelievable experience meeting a number of very cool people. Am back in Europe this summer, though checking out new countries, and am hoping to surf again! Will definitely be hosting upon my return to Alberta as I will be moving out into a new, surfer friendly place.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Surfed officially three times back in 2010 in Spain, Greece, and Belgium. Surfed unofficially many more times since then! Will start hosting upon by return from this trip and move into a new place.

Interests

Running- Track/Cross Country/Road Races and more than anything a long run with my friends on a beautiful day.
Mountains and the Outdoors in general- Hiking, scrambles, camping. Nothing like being out in nature.
Hockey- Can hardly skate but am a big Edmonton Oilers fan
Football(Soccer)- Used to play, still love a pick up game or watching it on TV

• culture
• running
• tv
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• soccer
• hockey
• track and field
• teaching
• medicine
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Some books that I've either really enjoyed or ones that have had a great effect on me:
Long Walk to Freedom- Nelson Mandela
You Are Here- Thich Nhat Hanh
Anything by Tom Wolfe
No Country for Old Men/The Road- Cormac McCarthy
Guns, Germs and Steel- Jared Diamond
Catch 22- Joseph Heller
Really there are too many to remember.
Music: Most anything, though I prefer music that you can dance to, or that which makes you feel good, or that which is generally upbeat.
Movies? I couldn't pick out an all time favorite but I like the work of Quentin Tarantino and the Cohen Brothers. It is tough to beat a good comedy, and if you are into stand up then Ricky Gervais and Eddie Izzard are great.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Twice over the past three years I have hiked/ran the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park. The Skyline Trail is 48km long and stretches through the Rockies near Jasper starting at the beautiful Maligne Lake and passing through a number of mountain passes ending at Maligne Canyon. The fact that I completed the Skyline Trail is not amazing, Skyline Trail itself is amazing. The whole stretch is just beautiful and the views one encounters are breathtaking. I cannot recommend highly enough that you experience the Skyline Trail if ever presented with the opportunity.

Teach, Learn, Share

Never really thought of myself as a teacher or a source of knowledge before. Obviously I can help with the English language, and give information on life and culture in Canada. I have a BSc so I should be good for a few scientific factoids. In terms of practical skills I doubt there is a whole lot that I can pass one that isn't already common knowledge. Myself? I am always willing and ready to learn something new.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada

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