I'm an American girl who is living in Milan for the summer working as an au pair! I'm very easy-going and welcome new opportunities every chance I can get.

After my summer in Milan I have a job for 10 months through AmeriCorps where I will work with Youth Villages outside Atlanta. I will be both a mentor and teacher for youth who have severe emotional disturbances (neglect, abuse, abandonment) at a summer-campesque resedential facility. As you can (maybe) see, I have a passion for creating peace and happiness in other human beings.

I come from a very large family in the states and it has made me a very warm and outgoing person. I am not the type of guest who will be quiet or awkward, just sitting on my phone!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have just graduated from James Madison University in Virginia. I have had some international travel before this, but it has mainly consisted of your typical tourist activities and a lot has been off a cruise ship port. My only culturally immersive experiences have been through my school's Alternative Spring Break program to Costa Rica and Guatemala. These weeks have been amazing in teaching me about life, myself, and the power of community. This is one of the main reasons that I am so attracted to CouchSurfing. I love meeting new people and having unique experiences. Because of my education and age, I haven't had an opportunity to "surf" yet (or host) so please don't let my lack of references deter you!

Interests

Live music, traveling, running, good wine, and volunteering. Unless it is super dangerous, I will try almost anything and everything!! Recently I also love reading scholarly journals (mainly from sociologists).

• dancing
• education
• wine
• running
• reading
• traveling
• music
• live music
• teaching
• volunteering
• au-pair

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Lotus, Papadosio, Bassnectar, Arctic Monkeys, Crystal Fighters, Alt-J, TAUK, Umphrey's McGee, Pretty Lights, Grouplove, Glass Animals, Childish Gambino, Bonobo, XXYYXX, The Mowglis, Griz, Gramatik, Lettuce, Aer, Outkast, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phantogram, Blink-182 ( I LOVE MUSIC !!!!!! )

I don't watch many movies or tv but I do love Parks & Recreation!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

During my last year of university another student and I co-lead an "Alternative Spring Break" trip to Guatemala. These trips are based on community-service learning and we lead 10 other students/faculty for a week. Our group participated in stove building projects and reforestation projects for local indigenous Mayan groups living around a big city, Quetzaltenango. Meeting and working alongside the Mayans was one of the most eye-opening and cherished times in my life; I have never learned more in a short period of time than I did in that week!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my stories and critical opinions about volunteering and what is really good for the world. I can share my positive vibes and good energy along with great conversation. I don't know if I'm a "good" dancer but if you put on music I can also show you how I like to move. I don't have anything really tangible to offer but you will undoubtedly have a great CS experience hosting me!!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, United States