I've been a very lucky and happy person because I grew up as both Costa Rican and from the U.S., and I've loved seeing the differences in both cultures and how they've shaped me to be the person I am today. I grew up in the states but got to visit my family every two years or so in CR, so my Spanish speaking level is pretty good, but I'm always trying to improve.

I'm currently in CR and am studying to take an admission exam for the University of Costa Rica in order to hopefully one day become an eco or adventure tour guide (would love to get paid to go hiking or kayaking and meet people all over the world). It's a college level exam in my second language, so I'm working as hard as I can to make the grade I need to study this career, but I'm optimistic I'll make it.

Otherwise, I'm really enjoying my time here finally getting to really know my family in Costa Rica and getting to learn about this really wonderful country that I'm so happy to be a part of.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Being bicultural, I got to experience learning two different mindsets and ways of doing things while growing up, and saw how different both sides of my family are. It was a significant part in making me who I am today and my perspective on several things. I had to learn two languages, which fueled a huge desire I have to learn more and communicate with more people from several other countries and see their lives and families and cultures. I only know two countries, so to be able to expand my knowledge of the world even further through the lens of the people who live in different countries, and hopefully in the future being able to share Costa Rica (it helps that I'm studying to be a tour guide) with others as well would be such a joy and an honor.

Interests

I really love playing guitar, although actual knowledge of music escapes me. I'm proud to say I do have pretty good technical skill, but as far as theory, scales, keys, or improv soloing goes, I have a really long way to go before I consider myself a true musician.

Other than guitar I really do love most outdoor activities and exploring, which is why being in Costa Rica right now has been fantastic.

• running
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• guitar
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• kayaking
• languages
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Ben Howard is my absolute favorite artist. Someone who is truly passionate and talented. I got to see him in concert once and it was surreal for me.

Movies: Jurassic Park movies since I was a kid. Prince of Egypt because the art, music, cinematography, and pretty much everything about that movie story-telling wise is incredible. Captain America the First Avenger because Steve Rogers was a hero before he got his power. He has an amazing heart so he's just always been my favorite hero. Aaaand Fried Green Tomatoes because it's just a really sweet story that I could watch over and over again.

Books: The Survivor's Club. It goes into the psychology of surviving major disasters and uses several anecdotes of different cases to show the different ways in which people react to these situations and what actions decide whether someone lives or dies. It's incredibly well put together and so interesting. I've definitely read it more than once.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Eeeehhhh. I'm 19. I don't think I've done anything too amazing. If I pass this college level entry exam in my second language that will probably be the most amazing thing I've done.

Well, the other day I had to run like 100 or more meters really fast to catch the bus so my older aunts and I could make it into town on time for something, so I kind of felt like a hero to them haha.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've learned here in Costa Rica that I really do enjoy tutoring people in English, and maybe if I learn how to do it maybe even teach English in a new way that people might actually enjoy and not dread classes for. I can teach basic guitar.

I truly love the challenge of learning and practicing another language. After being in Costa Rica for a while I've lost the embarrassment of sounding stupid and not having that inhibition anymore has only made my learning experience that much faster. I'm all for making mistakes and learning from them so to learn a third or more languages from other people would be an amazing experience now that I've lost that hindrance.

Sharing wise, I only have my young adult experiences, but soon after getting out there and traveling and in the future getting a place of my own I would love sharing Costa Rica with others because I love this country so much and it does have a ton to offer to several different people.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am seriously good at doing the dishes. And I can sweep/mop really quickly if I have some music haha. But other than help around the house I'd just love to share experiences with a host and hopefully reciprocate that hospitality with them some day here in Costa Rica.

Countries I’ve Visited

Costa Rica

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, United States