I was on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon while I was in college, I had my first drink in Edinburgh Castle, and my Friends still don't believe that I came up with "Got Milk?" One of those is a lie.

I grew up in Michigan and went to school in Indianapolis. After college, I stayed in Indy to teach with Teach For America for two years. I most recently was back in Michigan writing curriculum and assisting students to identify their academic goals and meet them through a college education.

I have always had the itch to travel and have been blessed with several opportunities to scratch. Traveling has been an opportunity for me to reflect on who I am and what sort of influence location and culture has had on my own personal development. I am a big believer in the capacity of new places and people to refine my understanding of myself and the world around me. I hope to continue that process through future adventures.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am Couchsurfing because my most memorable travel experiences have come as a result of getting to know the people that make up the places I go. To me, that has proven the difference between being a tourist and a traveler.

More specifically, I am Couchsurfing now because I am on a roadtrip around the US and parts of Canada.

Interests

In my free time, I like to experience stories in as many mediums as I can: literature, history, music, tv, movies, etc. I was the third-grader that used to read the atlas for fun during silent reading, and I sometimes still do. I also love to cook and discover new recipes.

Music, Movies, and Books

What I am listening to seems to change monthly, but a few of my favorites are Allman Brown, Adele, Aloe Blacc, Band of Horses, Ben Howard, The Black Keys, Broken Bells, City and Colour, The Civil Wars, Death Cab for Cutie, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Head and the Heart, Hillsong United, Hozier, Jackson Browne, and a lot more in the rest of the alphabet.

I am more of a TV person than a movie one; my favorites include Frasier, Friends, The Office (US), Top Gear (UK), Game of Thrones, Community, Monk, Arrested Development, The West Wing, Parks and Rec, Mad Men, New Girl, Suits, and Chopped.

My favorite books and plays include Death of a Salesman, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Screwtape Letters, the Harry Potter books, Hamlet, Life of Pi, The Lord of the Rings, Robinson Crusoe, Much Ado about Nothing, The Count of Monte Cristo, Heart of Darkness, and Dr. Suess' Sleep Book.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The first meal I had in Japan was a barbecue of chicken liver and fish heads, with my friend and his Japanese friends, in a shack on the edge of a rice paddy. I don't count the Starbucks I had after I got off the plane.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to cook and am happy to share some food with my hosts. I love to discuss literature, faith, music, and sports. I also love beer and am happy to sample the local brews with my host. There is an extra catchphrase in my car to play anytime and anywhere, and I will happily lose to you in Settlers of Catan (but I am improving).

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Canada, England, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Scotland, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States