I'm a current graduate student living in the Washington D.C. area. I originally moved here after living (serving with AmeriCorps) and traveling on the West Coast of the U.S. for about a year, but I grew up in Louisiana. I've also lived in Europe (the UK, specifically), and that's what originally got me interested in the couchsurfing community. After quite a long hiatus from my more adventurous side, I'm trying to find my way back by traveling locally in the U.S.

I'm a pretty introverted soul; not a huge fan of parties and rowdy occasions. I do enjoy spending time with other people though, and especially meeting and talking to new people while I travel! My happy place is sitting on the beach in the evening with a good book or a journal. My other happy place is in any restaurant on the planet that's been recommended to me by locals. I'd say I'm pretty easy to please.

My profile is recently recovered, so feel free to viciously scrutinize me.

Interests

I'm a casual photographer, definitely not trying to make it a career, but I do have an instagram: @_thewanderingkate. Photography is more to me about being in the moment at a place than documenting the occasion or focusing on skill. People who have genuine skill in photography amaze me, and I'm a nerd for the National Geographic Society.

• photography
• beaches
• ocean
• europe
• scotland

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It depends what you think is amazing. I once helped to convince a young elementary school student to embrace the fact that he only spoke Spanish at home, and to combat the bullying he was experiencing by teaching his friends his mad bilingual skills instead of being embarrassed of them. It only somewhat worked, but he gained a bit of confidence back. There were warm-fuzzies all around. Honestly, he's the amazing one in this story... Where was I going with this...?

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm on an ongoing journey to improve my Spanish since I've been studying it my whole life and I'm still not fluent. Opportunities to practice are appreciated!

I know a healthy shit-tone about actual scientific psychology, but I'll sit there and talk to you about how that personality test you took on Facebook was "totally true" as well. I'm not picky.

I can sing, but I can't play an instrument. Future bandmates, let's unite. Gotta pay off those student loans somehow...

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a pretty good cook. I'm from Louisiana, so I tend to add a lot of flavor to whatever dish I make. Totally willing to share a meal with my host (you know, if that's your thing).

I'm a conversationist. I like to share my travel experiences with others and hear theirs as well. Hearing other peoples' perspectives makes me excited.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Dominican Republic, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Scotland, United States