CURRENT MISSION

Gaining new insight and perspective through travel and enriching my life and lives of others through lasting friendships and new shared experiences.

ABOUT ME

Originally from Titsuville, FL, I grew up enjoying all of the activities that living in the south provides: surfing, mudding, fishing, swimming in the springs, and canoeing through some seriously swampy rivers. Some of my best memories of growing up in Florida are from my learning experiences in the outdoors, especially observing nature and navigating for miles through the seemingly endless woods and rivers.
I graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2010, with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree in Social Sciences and Education, and a Minor in Non-profit Management. During my time at UCF, I worked for our Universities outdoor recreation department. Every summer, I travel to Alaska to work at the Denali Education Center, where I am currently the Youth Programs Coordinator. As an outdoor educator, I am very lucky to be in the position where I can offer similar experiences to children as I enjoyed so much growing up. In the spring of 2010, I drove from Florida to Alaska. This was a very inspirational trip that allowed me to see so much of our beautiful country. I would definitely love to do it again!
I am currently enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Northern Iowa in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services. I am taking courses online while I complete an internship in Brussels, Belgium at a youth center. This has been an interesting experience, allowing me to get outside of my 'comfort zone', experience a new culture, and travel as much as possible on the weekends.
When I get back to the states, I will spend some time with family before heading up to Denali, Alaska for another summer. As much as I love to travel, I am very excited to spend time in one place, engaging in community and setting roots. I love building things and working outdoors, and I can wait to have a garden again. and a sewing machine.... That's really all I need.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am new to couch surfing. I hope to meet new people and learn about what makes the place I am traveling special to them. When I have a couch of my own again, I can't wait to host others and expose them to my favorite places.

Interests

backpacking, hiking, swimming, cycling, climbing, learning violin, music, photography, gardening, yoga, guitar hero.

• culture
• photography
• education
• yoga
• working out
• gardening
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• violin
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• fishing
• hiking
• backpacking
• canoeing
• surfing
• rock climbing
• swimming
• teaching
• social science
• rivers

Music, Movies, and Books

Current book: Tisha - about a young teacher from California in 1927 who travels to the interior of Alaska to teach local children.
Movies: Almost Famous, Darjeeling Limited, Mary Poppins, Stop Making Sense, State of Mind, Arrested Development, Grey's Anatomy, Planet Earth
Music- too much... Simon and gfunk, Sharon jones, smiths, talking heads, Sigur ros, manu chau, and lots more

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, United States