CURRENT MISSION

Get to know different people, places, and cultures while spreading sunshine to the lives of others.

ABOUT ME

Grew up right outside of Washington D.C. I graduated from JMU in May of 2009 and spent the following year traveling then serving in AmeriCorps NCCC. I just finished an internship in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and will be in Europe until the end of February. At some point in the near future I see myself becoming a whitewater rafting guide then moving to Guatemala to work in an orphanage that works hand-in-hand with a hostel. These "plans" change daily, however.

I am very laid back and easy to get along with. I tend to be quite goofy and am always happy, yet spend a good amount of time reflecting upon myself and life in general, particularly at this age where the future remains a blank canvas with endless possibilities.

I am incredibly optimistic and focus on finding the good in every person, place, and situation. I make a conscious effort to not pass judgements and try to put myself in others' shoes. I think that having an open mind is key to many wonderfully simple things in life, like growth and happiness. I remind myself of these things every day. I value meeting new people and gaining new perspectives. I am wicked self-motivated and often get into tunnel vision moods where I think I can do just about anything. This can be good and bad.

Aside from the many important family members and friends in my life, traveling, experiencing new cultures, and improving my ability to see the "big picture" are my biggest priorities right now. I think that CouchSurfing will be a great aid on these missions.

I am passionate about all kinds of sports, outdoor recreation and adventure, and different forms of art and written expression. I am finally mature enough to appreciate all forms of education and am in the process of teaching myself how to speak Spanish, play the guitar, and live simply.

PHILOSOPHY

Look up the lyrics to "The Sunscreen Song." I live by them!

I think about tattoos way more then I should and have several life mottos/mission statements tattooed on myself, including designs meaning "Those who spread sunshine to the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves" and "Where there's a man who has no voice, there I shall go singing."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am new to CS but plan to become an active member, both hosting and surfing around the world!

Interests

Live music, outdoor recreation and adventure (hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, biking, etc), art (graphic design, designing tattoos, making clothes and jewelry, painting, making cards, photography, etc), trying new things, sports, reading, documentaries, community service, anything that gets the adrenalin pumping or is eductional.

• arts
• singing
• design
• graphic design
• photography
• documentaries
• tattoos
• education
• clothing
• reading
• traveling
• painting
• music
• live music
• guitar
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• whitewater rafting
• surfing
• sports
• teaching
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite Musicians: John Craigie, Ray Lamontagne, State Radio
Favorite books: World Atlas, Into the Wild, White Weddings
Favorite movie: United States of Leland, The Life of David Gale, Human Trafficking

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My experiences living and working in a few Nicaraguan communities changed my life and redirected my future. It was the single most influential experience of my life thus far. I would love to share stories from my time there!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Poland, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States