CURRENT MISSION

Explore and experience as much as I can while having a positive influence on those around me.

ABOUT ME

Right. I'm an outgoing, sociable, and generally intelligent girl (we all have our moments.) Grew up in Chicago, the north side (Go Cubs!) with a younger sister, an older half-brother and half-sister, and my parents (father from Brazil, mother American.) The creative spirit has always been a huge part of my life, my mother being an artist (ceramics) and teacher, my father a musician, and myself drawing since I could grip a crayon in the claw of my tiny infantile hand... They thought I was a prodigy.

I graduated from high school, without really knowing how I wanted to spend the rest of my life (shocking, right?) and so in Fall of 2008 found myself gracing the steps of our beautiful, University of Illinois. I loved my friends and the school, but hated beyond hated being in a small town, so came back for the summer without registering for the following semester. I am currently preparing for an 8 month trip to Brazil where I will be learning the language fluently, working and living with family. We'll see what happens when I come back!

PHILOSOPHY

Oh geez... this could get a little dark. Amidst personal crises I think it's more truthful to say that at this point, I'm not all that sure what the point is, but I figure while I'm here, make as many connections and experiences I can. Spread that love into the universe! That's the best I can do.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Since I am moving so soon, I can't really host anyone here in Chicago. However, my summer job as First Mate on a tour boat at Navy Pier (seriously) has cut my hours down considerably and I would love taking people around the city! This may seem trivial, but my family pass to the Art Institute can bring up to four people for free... peaked your interest huh?

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

NONE. But I would love to change that! I'm still young.

Interests

Sports: I have an illogical love for Chicago sports teams (The Bears are currently filling the void left by the always lovable but always disappointing Cubs) and also play soccer constantly (summer rec leagues and pick up games with old Mexican men are pretty much my territory.)
Languages: I love learning, listening to, and speaking other languages. My formal training is dicey (except for the 4+ years of French, I'm OK) but I'll do my best to communicate through the use of wild gestures and mild telepathy.
Books: I read lots of them. Especially now that I'm not in school and don't really work all that often. Literature was always a strong subject of mine, and while reading is my true love, I flirt with writing more and more frequently these days.

I have many more interests, so if you want to know, ask.

• dogs
• arts
• writing
• books
• literature
• boating
• news
• reading
• pottery
• drawing
• music
• sports
• soccer
• teaching
• journalism
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Most recently read book: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Dave Eggers
Most recently watched movie: Cidade de Deus (for the second time) and I Love You, Man (first time- greatly enjoyed this)
Most recently played album: Man on the Moon, Kid Cudi (too freshh)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Yesterday, I impersonated a school news reporter to interview Lil Wayne who looked like Lupe Fiasco until I got close enough to see the tear drops on his face.

Wait- that was a dream.

I tend to find smaller miracles pretty amazing. Like watching a cut heal over a series of days. Isn't that fascinating? Your body can heal itself. Unbelievable. And generally when it heals, it's stronger than before. Reinforced. Wild. Amazing! I can't get over it.

This summer a man was about to jump off Navy Pier into Lake Michigan and I screamed at him and he stopped. That felt pretty cool.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have a cultivated pallet for hot dogs. I can show you how to eat a proper dog in 3 bites with all the toppings. Chicago style: dog, tomatoes, pickles, onions, mustard (never that devil-colored ketchup stuff,) jalapenos, and the all important celery salt. Mmmmm...

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, France

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, United States

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