I'm turning 30 this year, so l’ve left small town Iowa (for good this time) to see more of this beautiful world. I can't wait to explore and meet awesome new people like all of you!

I believe that life is so much more than making money, and time is too precious to waste doing things you don't care about. I care about the natural world and the diverse people who inhabit it, so I want my efforts to make a positive impact. I’ve worked in environmental education, human services, landscaping, and wildlife rescue/rehabilitation.

I love being outdoors whenever possible for work and recreation. I hope to one day devote my efforts to the field of environmental conservation, in hopes of nurturing and preserving the wild places and organisms great and small which have helped to sustain human existence and make our time on this planet worth living.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe that it is extremely important to reach out to our sisters and brothers around the world with love and respect, especially during what seems to be an era of growing fear and close-mindedness. We can learn so much from each other. The caring and vibrant relationships we build with others who are different from ourselves make this world a better place, by making us better people. Traveling always reminds me that we are all much more alike than we are different, and what differences we do have are really some of the most beautiful things about humanity. Traveling and meeting new people restores my faith in our shared future and makes me hopeful.

I also hope to learn more about our amazing planet, its fascinating and diverse lifeforms, and hopefully achieve some personal growth along the way.

Interests

Some of my favorite things are: meeting interesting new humans, books, biking, swimming, viewing and making art, learning new things, exploring other cultures and traditions/ sharing the exchange of new ideas and world views, live music, entomology, playing with cats, climbing trees, aerial silks (though I am just learning), skiing, rock climbing, red wine, craft beer, lightning bugs, and playing raunchy songs on my ukulele: to the delight or dismay of loved ones.
During more serious moments, I'm interested in Eastern philosophy, particularly Buddhist meditation practices.

• wildlife
• arts
• books
• poetry
• performing arts
• street art
• red wine
• woodworking
• outdoor activities
• camping
• skiing
• rock climbing
• art history
• entomology
• environmental studies
• philosophy
• social work
• learning languages
• social justice
• buddhism
• biking
• learning new things
• learning
• trying new foods
• aerial silks
• eastern philosophy

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: (ALL OF THEM) but also: The Sound and the Fury- William Faulkner, Their Eyes Were Watching God- Zora Neale Hurston, In the Shadow of Man- Jane Goodall, Contact- Carl Sagan, Daphne du Maurier novels, The Missing Piece- Shel Silverstein, Poetry of Pablo Neruda, The Secret of Lost Things- Sheridan Hay, Cat's Cradle- Kurt Vonnegut, Harry Potter (obviously), The Hobbit- Tolkien, Frankenstein- Mary Shelley

Many different types of Music, but Current Favorites include: Regina Spektor, Amanda Palmer, Barenaked Ladies, Ben Howard, Kate Nash, Lily Allen, Andrew Bird, Chavela Vargas, Julieta Venegas, Ximena Sarinana, The Finches, Sufjan Stevens, Ramona Falls, They Might Be Giants, Dresses, Yann Tiersen, and Frédéric Chopin

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the things I am most proud of is the 45 minute talk I was invited to share as part of the educational lecture series held monthly at Iowa State University's botanical gardens. I had worked there as a student for several years, and upon returning from my semester studying abroad and living with a host family in Ecuador, I was asked to be one of the speakers. With great excitement and terror, I agreed. After weeks of preparation, I was able to stand up in front of my colleges, several of my most admired professors and other academics, dozens of volunteers, friends, and family and talk about this life changing experience.
We discussed the diversity and coexistence of Ecuador's 14 distinct indigenous groups, the many beautiful cultural practices throughout the country, and examined various art forms, from the traditional indigenous textile crafts to the bold and wild splashes of street art found in every city. I highlighted some of the unique ecology and environmental threats to the Andes region, and emphasized the irreplaceable importance of travel and cultural exchange to expand the minds and hearts of humans around the globe. I was relieved that the presentation went over quite well with my listeners, several of whom approached me afterwards to request that I do two more similar presentations for other groups.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love to learn new things every day. Sharing meaningful conversations with people you meet from different backgrounds and cultures is the best way I have found to encourage lifelong learning, and to spread a little more understanding and mutual respect wherever you go. I also love sharing any of my useful knowledge with others. I am always happy to teach people songs on the ukulele. It's amazing what you can do with just 3 chords!
Ask me about insects, especially butterflies if you want to hear more weird facts than you know what to do with! Conversations about Art history, designing and building stuff, and swapping book recommendations are always welcome.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Positive vibes, interesting conversation, friendship, and perhaps even a personal serenade on the ukulele upon request. I'm quite flexible and up for about anything. I'm a great biking or hiking partner, basically anything outdoors. If anyone is excited about making art with other people, I'm your gal! I'm happy to help out however I can during my stay, because it's such a gift when someone welcomes you into their home. Whether it's making breakfast together, doing the dishes, planting flowers, helping move that big heavy thing you've wanted to move for months but maybe you didn't have a lifting partner, tightening loose cabinet and door handles, or helping fix some random odd thing in your home (I have some rough home construction skills too, just saying :) count me in. Oh, also I'm really good at catching bats and removing them gently and unharmed from your home! All sorts of useful talents

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Ecuador, Laos, Peru, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Cambodia, Ecuador, Laos, United States, Viet Nam