Hi my name is Rama! I work in special education and currently live in Chicago. My middle school students are delightful little monsters. When I am not teaching, I am a community organizer that works on anti-gentrification and welfare rights through several groups. I also really enjoy cooking different cuisines for my friends in the city. I haven't traveled much outside of the country, but I hope to travel more around the United States and around the world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have never couchsurfed before but I've heard it's a great way to meet new people and experience different parts of traveling that aren't as accessible in a hotel/hostel.

Interests

I am interested in social welfare causes, feminism, sociology, anthropology, cooking, audio documentary, reading the New York Times Modern Love column during lunch, wandering around the city, spending time with my family, and laughing with those I love.

• documentaries
• causes
• education
• womens rights
• dining
• cooking
• reading
• traveling
• painting
• anthropology
• teaching
• sociology

Music, Movies, and Books

One of my favorite movies is Dr. Strangelove. I love movies with interesting story lines, captivating cinematography, and beautiful character development. Also, movies with strong female leads! I listen to an odd hodgepodge of music from Iggy Pop to The Kinks to The Velvet Underground to 80s New Wave to Stevie Nicks to DJ Kool Herc to Souls of Mischief to Vampire Weekend to dream pop. I love reading social science books, but I also enjoy reading fiction that lets me dream for a while.

Movies that I really enjoy seeing are Dr. Strangelove, Amelie, Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, High Fidelity, The Color of Friendship (Disney Channel original movie), The Great Beauty, and any documentary narrated by Richard Attenbourough. For television, I really like watching British mystery shows, Black Mirror, and True Detective.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I interviewed for a job, received an offer the next day, and jumped on a plane at 6am the next day to Chicago. I got lucky because it's been pretty good so far.

Teach, Learn, Share

I would love to learn more about farming, beekeeping, and painting. I can show others how to cook Ethiopian food, make organic creams, audio interviewing/editing, teach some things about cultural learning, and tell funny stories.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share stories of silly adventures, cooking tips, and random facts about the world and television.

Countries I’ve Visited

Ethiopia, France, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States