Hello world! My name is Joel Spiegel, I'm a 20-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst pursuing a dual degree in Political Science and Environmental Design. I grew up in suburban Chicago and have lived in Boulder, CO, and Western Massachusetts. At UMass I am on a team that coordinates TEDx conferences, organize with campus social justice student groups, and work in the dorms as a Residential Assistant (RA).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Haven't yet been outside the USA, but can't wait to explore this gorgeous big ole world we share!

Interests

I am a part of the StartingBloc international Fellowship community, as well as the Bike and Build family!

• design
• environment
• italian food
• chinese food
• indian food
• mexican food
• politics
• hiking
• baseball
• soccer
• environmental studies
• road trips
• budget travel
• adventure
• urban planning
• landscape architecture
• startups
• meet new people
• tech
• urban exploring
• ted talks
• road biking
• urban farming

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite movie: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Favorite book: The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac
Some of my favorite musicians: Gary Clark Jr., J. Cole, A Tribe Called Quest, MF Doom, Quasimoto, Pretty Lights, Portugal The Man, Vic Mensa, Alina Baraz, Chicago (the band), Nas, Chet Faker, The Weeknd, The Internet (also the band), Big Sean, Hiatus Kaiyote, Childish Gambino, Big Gigantic, Sugar Ray, Capital Cities, Danny Brown, Run River North, OutKast, Jack Johnson, Joey Badass, Miguel, Chance the Rapper, Noname Gypsy ....... and many many more

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Cycled from Portland, OR to Bellingham, WA 1,000 miles on a month long non-profit affordable housing ride called Bike and Build

Teach, Learn, Share

Basic bike repair skills, a decent architectural and urban planning knowledge.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can tell you how shot glasses go their name!

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States