Hi! I've heard great things about couch surfing -- willing to give it a try!

I recently decided to make a career change. Previously, I was an internet marketer and I loved my job. I worked for an amazing company! But at the end of the day I found myself happy but wanting something more. I needed a greater purpose and wasn't finding it in marketing.

Now I'm pursuing teaching. It's both personally fulfilling and professional flexible. It allows me to travel during the summer -- which was a major consideration.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm student teaching in Asia for a portion of my degree. Couch surfing seems like the best way to meet local people and learn new things. :)

Interests

• traveling
• swimming

Music, Movies, and Books

I try to watch most of the oscar-nominated and sundance films. Im a sucker for a complicated love story.

I enjoy psychology type books like The Outliers, The Five Love Languages and The Color Code.

I'm not a music buff, in the sense that I don't know many artists/bands. (I pretty much stick to listening to Pandora channels.) However, I know what I like when I hear it! The first time I heard Zoey Deschanel sing was in Elf (the movie). After looking her up I realized I was behind the times and everyone was already a fan!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hmm, an amazing thing.... Well to be honest, I am cautious by nature. Couch surfing is pushing my limits! :) I am hoping to have some good experiences that remind me to jump, to leave my comfort zone.

I guess I'd consider going to college 8 hours away (not knowing a soul) an amazing leap for me. I learned so much about myself and people in general. I come from New England and people here can be very focused -- and very hardworking. When I went to college I learned how to slow down, be friendlier and take time to relax. Both lifestyles are great in their own right, and I'm grateful to have experienced each to understand there are multiple approaches to life.

And then again, I leaped my sophomore year when I studied abroad in Athens, Greece. I was nervous about not knowing Greek and planning my own travel for the first time. But living in Athens is my favorite memory. (Going with my boyfriend made it even sweeter!) With every leap comes learning, and I definitely learned so much. The Greeks are/were in the midst of a recession but they are still so kind to each other and to foreigners. I love their philosophy and cultural outlook. It's inspiring!

A few years later I went to El Salvador. There, I saw the scarier side of humanity. Gangs are rampant so every building had 10 foot fences with barbed wire. Even Quiznos had guards armed with automatic rifles. It made me truly grateful for the safety and structure that the US offers. Of course, El Salvador offered more than just scares. The people I met were incredibly grateful for the little they had and were very generous. They valued their education and would walk miles to school. I saw how goodness and kindness prevails even in oppressive environments.

And now I'm taking the challenge of teaching in Asia. Before now, I hadn't been to Asia - and Im excited learn about the various counties/cultures. I know this will be another life changing experience and I'm looking forward to soaking it all up!

Teach, Learn, Share

"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." --Eleanor Roosevelt

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a clean non-smoker that appreciates your hospitality. I'd love to swap stories and learn about each other's cultures. I am happy to treat you to a meal to show my thanks!

If you'd like to show me around and hang out for the day - great! If you'd instead prefer to just offer a bed - I'll accept and happily do my own thing. :)

Disclaimer:
- I am not comfortable with a shared bed. If the sleeping arrangements are misrepresented, I will sleep elsewhere.

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Canada, El Salvador, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

Greece, United States