ABOUT ME

(Español abajo)

My recent history began when I graduated from Western Washington University, after which I traveled with my lady friend in Central/South America, hiked, and tried to stretch my legs as much as possible for about 6 months. When I decided to settle in and find work, my biology degree seemed only to be leading me to some soul-sucking lab jobs, and so I opted to go back to school for a more specific goal, which brought me to Oregon State University, where I now study botany (the science of plants). Of late, I've found it a bit hard to stay still, but I'm loving my coursework, and enjoying my time a little further south than my home state.

I absolutely love Spanish, and after our trip I feel that I've gotten pretty decent with it, but that only stays with practice. Please feel encouraged to speak/practice with me!

Hola hola! Soy estudiante de la botanica (el estdudio de las plantas) en la universidad del estado de Oregon. Me encanta el español, viajar, y plantas. He viajado en centro/sudamerica y allí aprendí mucho, pero si no practico mi español me lo va a perder, y por eso por favor practica conmigo! A mi me gusta viajar un poco mas lento, en maneras mas como acampar y montar en bici entre ciudades en vez de carro.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

On a conceptual level, I want to support anything that safely reduces the monetary barriers required for travel. On a personal level, I think travel is simply more valuable when you have a connection of some kind waiting for you, and when you limit your isolation to the place you just worked so hard to get to. Hotels are like paying to see less if you ask me, hostels are cheaper and you make friends but could still manage to see nothing, but a couchsurfing host? You will definitely know a place better, even if you just chat the evening away.

Interests

Below are a list of things that I do, think about doing, or at least really want to know more about. If only there were time for everything! Hiking/backpacking go hand in hand with mountaineering for example, however I haven't quite been able to work my way into mountaineering yet.

If you want to have a chat about any of these things I would love to!

• photography
• diy
• mexican food
• traveling
• homesteading
• hiking
• backpacking
• mountaineering
• martial arts
• food
• karate
• goats
• spanish
• cycle touring
• botany

Music, Movies, and Books

I love books about adventure and mountaineering, as well as survival stories. Into the Void will always be a gut wrenching read for me. Recently I read Skeletons of the Zahara ( a book about American sailors who shipwrecked, and were stranded in the Sahara Desert) and thought it was a fantastic read.

As far as music goes I listen to a lot of hip-hop. Chance the Rapper is probably my favorite contemporary artist, but I have been getting increasingly more into 90s hip hop as time goes on. I also listen to a ton of music in Spanish to keep my skills up; Cuban son is probably my favorite Spanish speaking genre.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've hiked the West Coast Trail (a 3-7 day backpacking trip on the west coast of Vancouver island in Canada). I was lucky enough to get walk it with some wonderful people (including my Dad), see some whales, and get away from the everyday nonsense for a bit.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can help you learn some Spanish! Or depending on the time we have together, give you a decent pep talk.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love animals and gardening, so if you need a little help taking care of things around your home I would love to contribute. I have experience with yard work (its how I made most of my money while in college)

Additionally I have experience with Spanish (as a second language for me) and teaching English, if you would like to practice your conversation in either language. Also, if you need something proofread in either English, or basic Spanish, I can help!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Germany, Greece, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, South Korea

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, United States