Hello! My name is Maria Elena but I go by Nena. I'm currently in South America studying human rights and cultural memory in Chile and Argentina. In California, I study community activism and environmental justice focusing on human rights issues concerning Indigenous communities. I love spending time outdoors, meeting new people, and learning about and form other people. My favorite thing in the entire world is stories and I love it when people take the time to share with me about their lives. I strongly believe that there is something to learn for everyone making good communication extremely important for me. I emphasize for myself listening and patience to facilitate learning and community spaces. I am easy going, cleanly, and love to cook.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am couchsurfing because I want to see some beautiful places in the world and have an opportunity to interact with locals.

Interests

• cooking
• movies
• socializing
• camping
• surfing
• social justice
• activism
• feminism
• cultural exchange
• community
• community organizing
• philosphy
• customs
• cooking and baking

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite book is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, I taught me a lot of important lessons and I often go back and reread when I feel like I need a little direction. I also really enjoyed "Behind the Beautiful Forevers" by Katherine Boo and "No Apparent Distress". My music tastes rotate based on how I'm feeling at a giving time or day ranging from alternative to indie to r&b. Some of my favorite artists are Khalid, Norah Jones, Janis Joplin, and Lizzo. I don't have a favorite movie but my favorite show of all time is Sense 8.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I feel like I've been pretty lucky to have quite a few amazing experiences but one that was a turning point for me was the week I spent kayaking and camping on different beaches in Tamales Bay near San Fransico. Throughout the week we paddled to the mouth of the Bay. I woke up every morning to the sounds of waves crashing against the shore and elks walking in the mountains behind us. I learned a lot about myself during this experience and developed some of my deepest friendships during this time.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I can share about social justice in different regions, making salsa from scratch, a little about organic agriculture, a little about community organizing, and a little about playing the ukulele but I still feel like I have a lot to learn.
Learn: I feel like there is something everyone can teach you so long as you're willing to listen so I am open to learning about anything and everything.
Share: Sharing to me is showing affection for another person by caring for their most basic human needs and providing the one thing we all need, a community in a foreign place.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my experiences growing up and traveling. I love sharing meals, conservation, and space with others.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Chile, Uruguay

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States