I have a passion for learning and helping others. Since a young age, I knew I wanted to work with individuals with disabilities and have made it my career. I currently teach a vocational training program for adults with disabilities at the local university and have a part-time job working as a Program Coordinator for my county's Special Olympics.

This Summer, I am getting to opportunity to marry my best friend and love of my life. We met in the seventh grade and began dating in college after being friends for so long. Tony has been my favorite adventure pal as we enjoy backpacking, hiking, exploring new places, and meeting new people.

Tony graduated from Iowa State University also with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He currently works in the mines as a machine mechanic.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because I heard about it in a travelling blog. I was amazed to see a site that humble people would be willing to offer their homes to strangers in a way to learn more about each other's cultures and experiences.

My fiance and I will be travelling to Italy this summer on our Honeymoon. We have researched the "best" places to travel through Reddit and several travelling sites, but would much rather explore Italy through the eyes and hearts of the locals.

Interests

Tony and I love the outdoors. From kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, biking, or simply sitting outside, I feel most comfortable. I also love painting, reading, and dancing when I have free time.

Tony is what you may call a jack of all trades. He enjoys learning new things and building things with his hands. He is an avid rock climber, plays guitar, likes video games, and learning as much as he can about any topic from all perspectives.

We both believe you can learn so much from each person you come across in life. Everyone has a separate story to tell with the wisdom they've learned upon their journeys.

• animals
• education
• dining
• motorcycles
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• rock climbing
• teaching
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy several types of music. My favorite type of music is jazz or anything including a violin. Tony has a wide range of music as well but really enjoys classic rock. We both enjoy watching local live bands and supporting those that may be just starting or are seen as a hidden talent.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Two weeks after my father passed away when I was seventeen, I survived a near-drowning episode. I was trapped inside my vehicle during a massive flood and was submerged for several minutes. The paramedics had pronounced me deceased because they could not reach me.

After my vision blurred and blackened, I knew I was going to die. In a last minute, vain attempt to escape, I threw myself at the door and managed to escape before it slammed shut again. I swam across the current to find shore and collapsed. My lungs needed to be pumped to clear out the water I swallowed, but I lived.

Since that moment, I have been assisting to raise my four younger brothers and play a heavy role in guiding them and taking care of them. Tony has selflessly taken on a role of a father-figure in their lives and welcomes them as if they were his own.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Tony and I may provide hosts a warm conversation, open ears, and the willingness to learn from others. Tony can also play guitar pretty well and though I'm not super talented with instruments, I enjoy singing and I like to believe we make an okay musical group.

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States