Well ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶ I graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in East Asian Languages and Cultures. I’ve lived in the Midwest for most of my life. Currently, however, I reside in Rome, Italy! It’s been a wild transition!
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I love films; definitely an advocate of supporting one's local art house. I’m a runner. It’s not always fun σ(^_^;) but I've run five half marathons, which I'm proud of. I love plants, cats, hamsters, babies...anything I can take care of. I had a Syrian hamster named Charles (RIP)—he was my adorable, gentle fluff whom I spoiled to death. My houseplants are also some of my most prized possessions.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In this transition period following my time as an undergrad, I’ve established travel as a primary short-term goal. Upon discovering Couchsurfing, it seemed obvious that this would be a great platform for achieving this goal, as it fosters a positive environment to meet people and discover new perspectives.

Interests

• insects
• fashion
• cooking
• coffee
• japanese food
• running
• reading
• traveling
• hiking
• art history
• au-pair
• plants
• film
• pool
• craft beer
• feminism
• rollerblading
• pop culture
• journaling
• makeup
• vinyl records
• street photography

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm always open to redefining my music taste in some way. It feels weird to put a bunch of labels on it. Recently I’ve been embracing my love of pop music in all forms, from different eras. Frank Ocean in particular has been a fierce source of inspiration in my life, especially throughout my college years.
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Some of my favorite films from the past decade include Tangerine, Frances Ha, and Call Me by Your Name (to name a few). As far as movies go, I'm most attracted to actors and an earnest, compelling performance. Actors have always been role models of mine.
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One of my favorite writers to date is Haruki Murakami. His works that I've read so far have conveyed a sense of nostalgia and an other-worldliness that has really resonated with me. Currently I’m reading Flush, a short novel by Virginia Woolf written from the perspective of an introspective dog. Pretty hilarious. Also been working through Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina...she’s a trying one!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I moved to the U.S. from Japan at age 7 (when I was in first grade), which pushed me to find my identity within a foreign environment at a young age. As a result, I’ve become well-versed in the contexts of two very different cultures—something I’ll never take for granted.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I have an open mind, I'm a thorough listener (better at listening to others than going into detail about my own life...), and am generally a very empathetic, sensitive person.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Japan, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, Japan, United States