Hi! My name's John, I'm a Philadelphia native, writer, photographer, poet, and aspiring screenwriter. I recently graduated from Elon University in North Carolina where what started as an interest in journalism budded into a larger love for film production and screenwriting. I'm a fan of TV, film, books, poetry, food--especially food--and all things adventurous. I'm equally comfortable exploring city streets and natural scenes, and always search for an experience one might call off the beaten path.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've always been someone who loves couching. In high school, a band of friends from summer camp and I spent many a weekend visiting one another, a series of successive trips around the tri-state (PA, DE, NJ) area as we explored the fresh freedoms of 16 year old-ness. Many of these experiences were held at my house, which was somewhat of a central point within the scatterplot of home addresses. They remain some of my most seminal, treasured times, spending time with people I loved.

A lot of what made this possible was the patience and hospitality of my mother; while I did a lot in terms of organizing and coordinating these weekends, my mother was the one that allowed it to happen. Whether it was making food for us, leaving out blankets for the couches/floor space that would later be occupied by our merry band, or stocking up on snacks--it was her willingness to welcome these friends that led to countless bonfires and late nights waxing poetic on the quiet porch.

I believe that Couchsurfing represents an extension of the hospitality and community exemplified in these storied nights. And as a young adult heading out into the real world, this just might be a community where I'll find solace, support, and others that share my love for hospitality.

Interests

• poetry
• cooking
• meditation
• movies
• reading
• tv
• hiking
• food
• nature
• exploring

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Frank Ocean, Mac DeMarco, The White Stripes, Led Zeppelin & Kendrick Lamar

Movies: Moonlight, Good Will Hunting, Lord of the Rings, 28 Days Later, The Man From UNCLE

TV: Twin Peaks, Adventure Time, Game of Thrones, Rick & Morty, Samurai Champloo

Books: The Sun Also Rises, On the Road, Dharma Bums, Wonder Boys, Catch 22, The Stranger

Podcasts: The Moth, S-Town, Invisibilia, Harmontown

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm not really sure what this box means, but here goes. I believe that every interaction we have, from the inconsequential to the monumental, leaves us with something new. But most of the time we can't directly acknowledge what that something is. It folds into the churning, indiscriminate rush of subconscious influences, seeds of behavior that are planted without our active knowledge. The more a person is present in their interactions and the more gratitude they acknowledge at these passing interactions, I believe, leads to seeds that bloom rather than wither.

I'm a man that will take a good conversation over near anything else. You never really know what another person has to share, and the best way to get to those learning moments is to just dive in. Put yourself out there. Be honest, be fearless. Bonus if that conversational partner is at all in one's professional field or their interests relate to one's own. But even people that have *nothing* in common with you have plenty to "Teach, Learn, Share."

I'm a practicing writer, photographer, and poet, as well as a foodie and a movie buff. I figure what I have to share comes from my artistic pursuits, as they've certainly helped me redefine my concept of self. If we link up, I'd be happy to provide a critical opinion for any writing or other creative product that you might be seeking eyes on. And that's a lot of trust, to expose one's creative aspirations to a stranger. But who better than a stranger to give you an unbiased, honest opinion?

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm an avid cook, as well as a somewhat 'handy' person. Just recently got back from working as a carpenter, building treehouses in the NY Catskills. I also like to think of myself as someone with good taste in media, be it movies or weird YouTube videos, and never hesitate to share them. But mostly, I'm someone who loves to feel helpful. If I find myself on your couch, I'd be happy to do near anything that would be considered a positive influence on the respective home. Walking dogs, cooking meals, fixing things that need fixing, mowing the lawn--the act of hosting someone in the couchsurfing way is a big show of trust by a host, and I'd like my proper chance to show my appreciation for that extension of trust. I'm also a decently talented conversationalist, and a Dungeons & Dragons dungeon master for the nerds out there. I've been a summer camp counselor, meaning I have extensive experience mediating situations with kids, both high-tension conflict resolution and more nuanced, discretion-heavy talks when a kid needed them.

I'm just a young, friendly guy looking to see a little more of this wide world!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, France, Mexico