Hi!
I used to have an extensive profile on this page, but I'm slowly making my way through a new one. Give me a message if you want to know more.

(Also-- I've received several messages on here for people looking for long term stays. I'm on here to meet fellow travelers and give a hand here and there. I'm not interested giving someone a place to stay for free for more than a few days. Also also, I'd really prefer if we were closer in age-21 would be a good minimum so we could at least get a drink together. Post college age is ideal! Sorry if that's a bummer for you, just wanted to save you some time.)

I lived in Spain for three years, teaching English and spending every dollar I had on traveling when I could. I moved back to the States in June to start my Masters in Education at Northwestern. I'm currently doing my student teaching at a school in Chicago, and since these profiles are publically accessible, I have to make sure this page is school approved in case any students or their parents come across it :)

In terms of who I am: I am a pretty open person. I am very curious, and ask a lot of questions, but only because I really like to get to know people, and I love learning about different ways of life and thinking!(Though that being said, if you are very vocal about being a Trump #1 fan, I might get frustrated after a bit, sorry. But if you're chill about politics, I am too). I'm kind of a nerd in that I listen to a lot of podcasts and read and like museums, but I also think I have decent social skills, so I'll bring that side out if we meet.

You know someone who falls in love with everything and everyone, if not just for the weekend? That's me. There are very few places I've been that I wasn't happy in, and I think most humans have something beautiful in them.

I love being outside and exploring, whether that's going for a walk or checking out some street art fest. Movie and netflix sessions are nice too, but I always feel so much better if I do something with my day than if I bum around too long.

At night, I am perfectly content going out and dancing till 5 AM, or having a game night with friends. I like both.

My availability right now is probably pretty limited. I'm cramming this masters program in a year, so life is very full, but I would love to try and work something out when I can!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've had some great adventures while traveling. Even though I can't travel now because I'm in school, and it costs a bazillion dollars, hosting people is kind of like a mini-vacation, in that I still get to meet new people and learn about where they are from.

I didn't couchsurf a ton when I was abroad because of 1- starting out with a real awful experience with a creep guy and 2- because I usually procrastinate too much to find someone and 3- also really loved hostels. But I hosted a guy while I was living in Spain, and that went pretty well, so I'm open to doing it again!

While there are some creeps, there are also incredible people on here. If you are one of those, please come :)

Interests

I love trying new things, though I'm a bit nervous of crazy foods.

I was pretty into taking pictures when I was traveling, but I admit I've not taken my camera out since I've moved back. My life is really chaotic right now with classes, so my hobbies have fallen a bit to the wayside.

In general, I like staying fit, though, see above.

I think mental health is really important, and I try to practice meditation and/or gratitude in some form or another every day.

Getting lost exploring was probably my favorite pastime when I was traveling, and would love to do it here in Chicago too!

• dancing
• reading
• traveling
• surfing
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

East of Eden-- Steinbeck, Great Gatsby -- F Scott Fitzgerald, Catch 22-- Joseph Heller, but also gotta love some Harry Potter, Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, quick read kind of stuff.

My Spotify has it all but country, and I'm down for most movies except romances and scary ones (unless I have someone to sleep with!)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Spent my birthday on the beach talking and drinking wine till 4 AM with someone I had only met earlier in the day while traveling to a Spanish Island.

Fallen in love.

Seen the tulips in bloom in the Netherlands.

Used Spanish to communicate with someone who spoke only French and Arabic, when I was on a bus and lost in Morocco.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can share my home, and some local knowledge of Chicago! I love sharing stories.
We can talk education if you want?

What I Can Share with Hosts

I don't think I'll be traveling anytime soon :( But I can try and cook something tasty, and provide the beverages.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ireland, Spain, United States