I'm a bit of a bus bum! I take the Greyhound everywhere, which I've noticed isn't a common place to meet other young adults. However, I have met quite a few wise and aged bus masters! Vickie, a 52 yr old woman from France, was the first elder bodhisattva I was lucky enough to encounter. She taught me the ropes of being a small female traveler, and shared with me her plethora of clever and fun (albeit hyperbolized) experiences from her youth. Ever since that trip, I've been instilled with a restless inkling that I need to keep traveling or I may just spontaneously combust.
Originally from Portland, OR, I'm currently studying Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine in Arizona. Although grateful for the constant sunshine, I've become much more appreciative of the color green after living in this dusty desert! As Joni Mitchell so fervently crooned, 'you don't know what you've got till it's gone!'
Between writing (prose and poetry), painting, and being outdoors, I have come to realize that I don't have the time in between all my free time that it takes to devote myself to becoming a Doctor. I'm in the process of reevaluating my talents and redirecting my academic focus. Although nowhere near as well paying as a Medical profession, I've been thinking that being a backwoods-certified trip leader would be just as rewarding! I'm an officer for the outdoors club at my University, which is where I discovered the thrill of leading other students on excursions through nature. Every weekend, I'm either backpacking through the mountains, camping in the forest, or trying to beat the desert heat by escaping by bus to another state.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Love to travel & make connections w/ fellow friendly hearts!

Interests

• arts
• culture
• literature
• poetry
• film making
• environment
• cooking
• wine
• vegetarian
• meditation
• gardening
• traveling
• bouldering
• live music
• jazz
• cycling
• backpacking
• rock climbing
• economics
• international relations
• journalism
• neuroscience
• study abroad
• jack kerouac

Music, Movies, and Books

Oh, man! Where to begin? I've been an avid reader since before I could walk. I love anything from the Beat era (Kerouac, Ginsberg). I consider myself well-versed, but I don't pick favorites because it's too easy to find a way to appreciate the craft in anything, and suddenly you find yourself listing off your entire bookshelf.
I listen to a lot of experimental music, but lately have been infatuated with Angel Olsen's rightly attributed angelic voice. Jazz is a staple, as is classical. I grew up listening to a lot of reggae and 90's grunge rock with my youthful parents, always love reminiscing on punk rock as well.
I was close friends with a few film buffs in high school- I like anything from the Clockwork Orange to Mr. Nobody, Rushmore to The Graduate, Ikiru to The Bridge on The River Kwai. Documentaries hold a special place in my heart!
I love sharing recommendations!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Bussed from Phoenix, AZ to New York City, NY! Met cool people & learned loads. Ask me about it!

Teach, Learn, Share

Forming connections with other people is what I am most passionate about in life. I tend to intellectualize my emotions, which leads to dehumanizing my own reality. I've found that, through the relationships I've been fortunate enough to form with others from all walks of life, conceptualizing humanity has become much less pertinent for me. It not only helps me to get a firmer grasp on my own fragility, but to also feel the way that love is as strong of a moving force as gravity. I hope to be a strong exhibit A when it comes to loving and living in the moment.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Conversation and a personalized piece of art (upon getting to know one another)

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States