I teach English as a Second Language classes full-time through Americorps (a domestic American volunteer service). My goal is to make it into Peacecorps (a foreign American volunteer service). After Peacecorps, I would like to backpack through South-East Asia and then go to grad school. I am a quirky photographer who loves philosophy and geeks out about so many different things. I am very excitable, and I always notice the small quirky details about places and people. My students inspire me to see the world in new ways, and I am very grateful for that.

My next trip is to Iceland. I'm very excited, but I'm currently living off of a living stipend, so I am making less than minimum wage. I am definitely trying to travel on a budget, but I am definitely one to splurge on worthwhile experiences.

Unfortunately, right now, my home is unavailable due to a weird living situation. I will be moving soon though, and hopefully my new home will be open to many many guests! I have A BILLION recommendations of things to do in Pittsburgh. I'm always exploring. I actually teach about places to go in Pittsburgh every Tuesday and Thursday.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to meet people while I'm traveling. I love to talk to new people. I'm a firm believer that every conversation can change your life in meaningful ways.

I also need to save money so I can travel more.

Interests

• writing
• photography
• running
• traveling
• hiking
• backpacking
• history
• philosophy
• new experiences
• meeting new people
• taoism
• spontaneity
• existentialism

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC: The Lumineers, Fleet Foxes, Say Anything
MOVIES: Fight Club, Interstellar, Forgetting Sarah Marshall
BOOKS: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, The Little Prince, Existentialism is a Humanism, Anything Osho

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I went to London, I was staying with my friend. On the day I got there, his girlfriend was a little jealous of me staying with him, so I said that it was cool if he went to dinner with her. We picked a meeting spot and a time, and he never showed. I hadn't taken down his address. I hadn't taken down a phone number to call. I had nothing to go off of.... except a few pictures that I had taken since we had left his house. So here I am playing scavenger hunt on my first day in a huge city. Two (trolley?) rides and many hours of walking around like a bumbling moron later, I made it back. His mom had called the police and reported me missing. It was crazy. But anyway this was pretty amazing because I learned that I can get myself out of difficult situations using off-beat problem solving.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm up for new experiences. If you're like "I always wanted to ___ but none of my friends would do that", I more than likely will.

Teach me anything. I will listen for hours.

I can take pictures of you! (And would love to! I just bought a new camera, and I am eager to build up a new portfolio)