My name is Julie, and I recently graduated from a University in San Diego, California with a degree in psychology. So now what? Well a couple things I know: I love traveling and I love meeting new people, so I've decided to travel for 3 months and try out Couchsurfing! I want to take this opportunity to learn more about myself, the world, and other people.

In the past couple of years, I've studied abroad in Finland and traveled a bit around Europe, but it was all just glossing over the areas as I didn't stay long enough and didn't know anyone in the areas I was staying. I love the idea of Couchsurfing and really getting to know people excited about where they come from who are willing to teach me about it. I understand that Couchsurfing is not meant to be used as just a free place to stay, and when I signed up, to be honest, I thought it was. But Couchsurfing is so much more than that as I hear more about people's experiences and get involved myself, and I realize how much kindness there is in the world. I want to be apart of it and gain experiences from people that I would never be able to get just staying at a hostel.

So "what now?" as far as after travel? Some things I'm considering: 1) I'm considering law school and I took my LSAT just a couple weeks ago and waiting for my results 2) I've also been interested in teaching, so looking into that. Maybe even teaching abroad for a while 3) I just signed up to take classes at and work at Disney World for 6 months through the Disney College Program, so fingers crossed I hear back soon! (*update: got accepted!) All of these things, including traveling are things to explore as I continue to learn more about myself. I feel lucky and excited to be at this point in my life where I can literally take any path I want.

I am bubbly, active, smart, and kind and just genuinely enjoy meeting new people. I look forward to my first Couchsurfing experiences and can't wait until I get back and am able to start hosting surfers in my own home.

That's a bit about me!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I heard about Couchsurfing through family friends when I expressed my interest in traveling after graduation. Like I said above, I thought at first that Couchsurfing was just meant as a free place to stay, but NO. The more I learn about it and hear from people that have done it, the more the whole concept fascinates me and makes me believe even more in the kindness of the world. I want to meet new people on my travels and get to know more about the cities and cultures I'm staying in. I want to hear stories from people, and see places through the eyes of people who live there.

Interests

Some of my favorite things to do are going to the beach, hiking, and most things to stay active. Being from California, I always tell people I'm doing one of 4 things: I'm either at the beach, the river, on a hike, or working. On those occasional gloomy days, though, I love a lazy day in a coffee shop reading :).

• culture
• wine
• coffee
• shopping
• reading
• traveling
• hiking
• wakeboarding
• law
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

BOOKS
Current book: my Law School Admission Test Practice Book (800 pages of torture! But also kind of interesting)
When I'm not studying though, I love fiction series: Harry Potter (went to the HP studio tour in London, so fun!), Divergent, Hunger Games
Also, currently reading Promise of a Pencil. It is so inspiring, and I got it as a gift from my mentor who actually encouraged me to travel after graduation.

MOVIES
I'm a sucker for romantic comedies. Also love psychological thrillers. If I start a TV show, though, I'm pretty consistent in getting to season 2 and then stopping. Always get too distracted with other things.

MUSIC
Some favorite genres: reggae, country, rock, alternative, EDM
I go to at least 10 concerts a year because live music is amazing. I say I only really spend my money on myself for 2 things: food and concerts (and now plane tickets apparently).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Tutored high school refugees from Burma

Teach, Learn, Share

I am young, and I know I have a lot to learn. I'm interested in language learning, customs, and just hearing stories. I have kindness to share, and I love to teach people about where I'm from and how it has shaped me.

What I Can Share with Hosts

For my hosts, I am clean and am more than willing to pick up. I have a sociable personality to offer and many laughs to share.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States