Hi, I'm Michelle! I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, went to Michigan State University graduating with a degree in Environmental Policy and Sociology and moved to Chicago after school. Fast forward a few years, after some traveling and desire for change, I moved to Eugene, Oregon. I lived in Eugene for a couple years until my job opened a new office in Seattle, where I transferred to and now live. I work at an environmental non-profit law firm doing development/fundraising work and really love my job and am very passionate about the work we do. I also absolutely love living in the Pacific Northwest and am enjoying everything it has to offer! I love the outdoors and get outside to explore every chance I get. If I'm not out and about outdoors, I'm can be found reading, doing yoga, hanging out with friends, trying new beers, and just generally trying to live a happy and full life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I truly love meeting new people and learning about them and the way they live. Everyone has lived a different life, come from different places, and thinks different things - all making the world go round. I think it's so important that despite differences or similarities, we all find a common connected-ness with each other, and I find that through couchsurfing. I think it's a great community and love supporting it!

Interests

• environment
• beer
• yoga
• reading
• traveling
• live music
• hiking
• kayaking
• learning new things
• outdoors
• meeting new people
• zero waste
• figure skating

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Modest Mouse, Radiohead, Maggie Rogers, Fleetwood Mac, Lotus, The New Deal, LCD Soundsystem, The Black Keys, Van Morrison, Tash Sultana, Grimes, Chance the Rapper...the list goes on.

Books: Ishmael, The Omnivores Dilemma, any Rupi Kaur, This Changes Everything - Capitalism vs. The Climate, The Other Wes Moore are some favorites.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Studied abroad in Kenya. Was a super eye-opening experience and I can't wait for the day I get to return.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a big advocate for a zero to low waste lifestyle, and have learned how to make a lot of homemade safe and inexpensive things along the way. Lotion bars, toothpaste, dish detergent, deodorant..the list goes on. I'm still learning but am always more than happy to share how more and more accessible low-waste living can be, and how awesome for the environment (and your wallet) it can be.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Positive attitude, a laugh, and of course any low waste gifts upon request (lotion bars anyone?) :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, Thailand, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States