CURRENT MISSION

change the world, and change myself.

ABOUT ME

I was raised in New England, and have lived in Germany, Spain, and the US. I love rich discussion, art and music. I'm a computer programmer by profession, and am fascinated by the possibilities that technology presents for art, creativity, and education. I'm currently working as a Mobile & Web Developer at Khan Academy (online education non-profit).
My wife hails from the Southern United States, and has lived in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru. She is a Social Worker by training, and wants to help those people who have been most forgotten by society.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that having an opinion is better than not having one, but having an uninformed/unsubstantiated opinion is worse than none at all. I appreciate being shown to be wrong.
Meaningful relationships are the most costly but have the greatest value in this life.
Music is wonderful.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In 2007, my parents, 3 siblings and I couchsurfed around Western Europe, hitting Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Italy. It was amazing to find people in each country willing to host 6 people!

Couchsurfing bolsters my faith in humanity.

Communication with those who are different from you is the hardest thing we do in life, but the most important. CS is an amazing opportunity to help people out and be helped in return, and broaden your mind and heart.

Interests

I've played the viola for the past 15 years, and I love to sing - my whole family is musical. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, learning about different cultures, making computer-generated art, and thinking/learning/discussing politics, economics, and sociology.
I have done Origami for many years as well, and am most fascinated by modular Origami.

• arts
• singing
• design
• graphic design
• humanitarian relief
• education
• politics
• technology
• origami
• music
• outdoor activities
• computer science
• economics
• teaching
• religion
• sociology
• software

Music, Movies, and Books

Right now, the musical Hamilton is at the top of my playlist. I've seen Wicked in london (twice) and loved it. Also love Into the Woods, Les Miserables, The Secret Garden, Beauty & the Beast.
For music: I'm really into folk music (new england, scotland, ireland). I played in a Contra Dance band while I was in High School, and my family had a folk band for a few years. I sang & played viola fiddle.
I also find that there are good singers & good songs in just about every genre.

Movies:
- What's Up Doc
- The Lady's Not for Burning
- A Man from Earth
- Babylon 5
- Strictly Ballroom
- Corpse Bride
- Les Miserables

Books
- The Light Between Oceans
- The Screwtape Letters
- One World Schoolhouse

Authors
- Garth Nix (fantasy)
- Ursula K. Le Guin
- Dianna Wynne Jones
- Terry Pratchet

Teach, Learn, Share

I am very experienced at Origami, Singing, playing the Viola, graphic design, and computer programming.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Scotland, Slovakia, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States