I am currently a senior at Vassar College where I study biology and history. This fall, I decided to take a semester off from school because I need only one more semester and an extra semester would cost extra. Instead, I decided to go to Germany and study German for roughly three months. Why German? The German language is intensively used in my areas of interest; it is one of the most commonly used languages in scientific writing, and many works of classical music have been written by German composers and thus choral works have german lyrics.. Why Germany? I had previously studied French in school, but after spending two weeks on the beautiful island of Martinique for a school exchange, I realized that the best way to learn a language is through immersive experience.

Initially, I intended to spend most of my time in Munich where my relatives are and study in the Volkshochschule, a community school, although I realized after several weeks of classes that I am seeking a different kind of experience. I want to learn German, but I also want to learn more about German culture, as well as other bordering or nearby cultures. I have thus far loved Bavarian food such as Leberkäse and various wursts, but I am interested in what other cultures have to offer as well. I am also eager to hear more traditional music from other places.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

When I go to countries outside of the US, I seek cultural experiences rather than heavy-shopping ones. What I think is great is Couchsurfing is that it connects other people like me. Often, when on group trips to other countries or places, I have felt that I am the lone person in my classes that is interested in experiencing other cultures, like my fellow students are more interested in having a good time at the bar than in a conversation with someone. I have made connections with people from around the world, and these have often been the most valuable to me. Through Couchsurfing, I hope to make more connections and experience other cultures.

Since I've started couchsurfing in Europe, I've noticed that many single male hosts have references from only young women, suggesting that these are the only people that they accept, despite the fact that they note on their profiles under the Gender that they would like to host, "Any". As this has been a constant pain in my butt, and is now the first thing that I have to look for in hosts, I have considered changing my name to Jemima and taking a picture of myself with lots of makeup and a wig to make myself look like a woman. Perhaps then I would have less trouble finding hosts.

Here is another trend that I've noticed and my thoughts on the matter: some people write that they do not want to host anyone that does not host. What this means is that regardless of the quality of my request and regardless of who I am, the host will not let me couchsurf at their place. The issue with this is that not everyone can accept guests. Example: me. I only started using it out of necessity. I came to Europe, planning to stay in Munich with relatives, but then I ended up traveling Germany and the countries around it instead. I couldn't afford to stay in hostels every night for the next 2.5 months, so when I found out about couchsurfing from a friend, it sounded great. I have no ability to host anyone though, and I also live in a small room at my university which is literally only big enough for one, small mattress. I don't think it is exceptional for people not to be able to host. I have talked to others who are in similar positions.

For hosts that do not consider the capacity of their prospective guests to host: consider the philosophy of Couchsurfing according to the website, "We envision a world made better by travel and travel made richer by connection. Couchsurfers share their lives with the people they encounter, fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect." The most important word is "connection." That is what makes Couchsurfing unique. From hosting (as with surfing), couchsurfing promises that hosts get a "connection" to another person, another culture. Why should having hosted a difference on the quality of that connection? If making connections with people from other places is something that a person truly values, then they will open up their home to couchsurfers, if they have the resources. Additionally, had everyone had the philosophy of"no hosting without hosting references," couchsurfing would never have worked as an idea, as no one would be able to host anyone else. To clearly state my point, I think that people who use hosting experience as a requisite for their guests evaluate couchsurfers in a way that is antithetical to the very philosophy of couchsurfing. Using such method is exclusionary and detrimental to both the guest and the host, who otherwise would make a connection that they now will not make. I welcome further discussion of this topic. Indeed, I think that this is something that needs to be talked about more.

Interests

• books
• classical music
• soccer
• biology
• history
• philosophy

Music, Movies, and Books

Beethoven's 3, 6, 7, and 9th symphonies
Guardians of the Galaxy and all other Marvel movies. Also Moana and Disney movies.

Nonfiction books including:
Siddhartha Mukherjee – The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
Trevor Noah – Born a Crime: A South African Childhood
Steven Hatch – Inferno: A Doctor's Ebola Story
Jared Diamond – Guns, Germs, and Steel

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I played the 4th horn part of Beethoven's 9th "Ode to Joy" symphony with my high school youth orchestra in a beautiful hall in Philadelphia. The fourth movement that everyone knows was much fun to play, but the third movement has the most prominent fourth horn solo in the horn repertoire. Preparing for and playing in the concert was one of the most exciting and anxiety-producing moments of my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

Classical music has been my life since I was four or five years old. For nine years after that, I played the piano and gave regular recitals at music camps, music schools, and at my dad's new years eve concerts. After that, I picked up the French horn which I have been playing since in many youth orchestras and ensembles through high school and college. Additionally, I have been a bass in my college choir for three years. I can teach the basics of classical music including reading music, theory, and the art of listening. I can also teach piano or horn. I could also teach some American spirituals, jazz tunes, and folk songs if you're interested.

I am open to any kind of learning experience. I love learning, and would be eager to learn more about anything.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have stories – and many pictures – that I can tell about my times in other countries. Most recently I have traveled across the US to California and Hawaii, as well as to Iceland, Cuba, and Israel in the past two years.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Canada, Cuba, Czech Republic, England, Germany, Iceland, Israel, Martinique, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States