I'm a 22 year old student who loves to travel! I am in an integrated Masters program for a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and currently I am living in Porto, Portugal for Erasmus. I am outgoing and love to meet new people, especially people from different cultures and backgrounds which is one of the awesome things about traveling in Europe, whether via couch surfing or via a hostel.

I am new to couch surfing (although I apparently had an account from high school??), but after a lot of my friends here on Erasmus have tried it and raved about it, I am really excited to give it a shot!

I was born in raised in the United States (an no I did not vote for Trump); and while I love my country, you don't get the opportunity to meet such diverse people as you do in Europe. Everyone back home drives everywhere and sticks to their comfort zone; when we travel we usually stay in hotels and don't really meet anyone new.

Last year, I chose to do a winter long Study Abroad program in Germany, and since then I fell in love with traveling the world. I came back only 8 months later for my Erasmus here in Porto and I have loved every minute of it.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I really want to get to meet people from all over the world as I travel. I think it would be amazing to get to know the locals when traveling, because then you get to see the city through a different perspective.

Everyone I know who has tried CS has met some really amazing people; I really love this aspect the most of solo traveling and am excited to hopefully meet locals, not just other travelers.

Interests

The Outdoors:
I grew up in a rural part of the USA so the woods was basically my backyard. I feel deprived if I am away from nature for too long, and I am actually pursuing a career in Environmental Engineering to try and protect it! I love to hike, camp, and about anything else that connects me to nature!

Athletics:
Although the Erasmus weight may have gotten me some here, I love to exercise. I am into weight lifting, rock climbing, and yes, CrossFit (don't judge!). I truly love being able to push my limits physically, and mentally, and I love when I reach a goal, whether it be tackling a new climb, reaching a new weight, or finishing a WOD quickly; I can't imagine a life where I don't get to be active.

Volunteering:
I love to give back to my community. I have tried to get involve in some service here in Porto, however the language barrier made it a little challenging. Back in the states, one of my favorite volunteer programs is First Lego League (FLL); it is basically a robotics competition for children in elementary and middle school. I love to see how amazing these kids are, they are so smart and passionate at such a young age; I love helping at the competitions and seeing these kids grow through team work, hard work, and perseverance.
I also am a part of many local conservation groups and grew up cleaning up the woods, streams, and more.
I also do work with helping the homeless and low income people in the local community through both my church and my school.

Fun!
I am always looking for a good time; I want to see the local sites but I also want to see the local bars and have a good time!

• crossfit
• drinking
• traveling
• hiking
• rock climbing
• volunteering
• weightlifting

Music, Movies, and Books

Music....
As I said, I grew up in rural USA so I grew up on country music and that is my go to when I am alone. That being said, I enjoy almost types of music; currently my saved playlists include current and classic rock, reggaeton (that's Porto's doing..), some rap, the chart hits, and some other random stuff. I also love alternative music and like I said, almost anything; I usually let others control the radio since I am not picky!
Currently, I'm listening to Mumford and Sons.

Movies:
I have too many childhood movies that I loved to list my favorites.
Being an engineer, of course I like some of the 'nerdy' series: Marvel, StarWars, and Harry Potter
I think two of the movies I have seen the most, both because they are good and because my family loved them are Forest Gump and O Brother, Where art Thou?

Books:
I used to be an avid reader, but recently has not been the case; I would love to get reading recommendations from anyone I meet though because I really want to start picking up some books again!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Honestly, the Erasmus that I am on now is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I have met so many amazing people from across the entire world. Through this, I have learned so much about so many different cultures, breaking the stereotypes I grew up learning, and helping them break some of theirs about Americans.

I have gotten to see all over Portugal, and I must say I truly love this country. Whether in the beaches or the mountains, it is truly gorgeous. The people are all friendly and will do anything for you, and of course the food and the wine is amazing.

I am so sad that my Erasmus is coming to an end, but I know that I will be back to Europe now. Being here has sparked something inside of me, and I hope to make a trip back here once every year or so and explore as much as I can; this summer I plan on taking a month off to come visit family in Italy, then to travel and see friends that I have met this semester.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:
I actually plan on being a teacher after I work for a while; I am a teaching assistant now and love it, so whatever I have to offer I am willing to teach! My culture is kind of splattered all over the news and the world, but I would love to help teach some of the realities about being an American, and helping to eliminate some of the stereotypes. I am native in English, so I can help with that if anyone has any questions, and I know a little bit of Portuguese and Spanish, although I am no where near fluent, but I can teach you some of the basics!

Learn:
I am always looking to learn new things; whether it be hobbies, languages, whatever, I have an open mind and am down to try anything

Share:
As I said, I love meeting people so I would love to get to know you! That being said, I am okay with sharing as much or as little as you want, whether it be fun, food, or just chilling; I try to go with the flow so it is completely up to you!

What I Can Share with Hosts

A fun time, some fun stories, and a friendly smile!

I love exchanging stories and getting to truly know a person. I am an open book; I feel that this allows you to be true to yourself and others.

I can also try to give some suggestions to places in Portugal and the USA; they both feel like home to me and I would love to help people travel there!

Explorations- I want to see the area of course, so I would love a travel companion if you want to join! I am also down to go grab a meal, coffee, or a drink! (Side note on that- I cannot have gluten so no beer usually, but cider and wine are a staple!)

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Portugal, United States