I'm constantly trying to understand what life is about despite myself. I relish novel experiences and true, meaningful connections with people, places, and cultures. I harbor an ever expanding appreciation for the arts, presently mostly musical, visual, and written. I try to dabble myself in writing and photography mostly.

Also, I LOVE dogs. Other animals, too, of course - the fuzzier the better - but dogs are special little creatures.

I say I'm from Bangor, ME because it's the most recent place where I spent a significant chunk of time, I identify strongly as a New Englander, and I was born there. But I spent a significant chunk of time in Knoxville, TN, and in McDonough/Locust Grove, GA. I fly South a couple of times every year to keep up with family.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm hoping to meet people, possibly through giving them a hand in one way or another. I've been in Boston for a couple of years, and I'm settling in, but I'm always interested in exploring new communities and connections.

Interests

• animals
• dogs
• writing
• poetry
• photography
• tattoos
• yoga
• reading
• traveling
• music
• metal music
• teaching
• engineering
• solo travel
• feminism
• creative writing

Music, Movies, and Books

With music I'm kind of all over the place. When I'm good about exercising I end up listening to a fair amount of pop, for better or worse. I love instrumental music. Cellos make the best sounds on Earth. I listen to a lot of metal and alternative rock and indie. I'm a sucker for lyrics, and I *did* have an emo phase through middle school and early high school. The nostalgia sucks me in.

I LOVE movies that make you feel feelings and think thoughts. Also movies that are unapologetically irreverent and goofy. Past favorites include Anchorman, Amelie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, White Oleander, Little Miss Sunshine. More recent favorites include Tallulah, Fundamentals of Caring, Welcome to Me, Skeleton Twins.

Reading has become one of my major hobbies since graduating. I try to work in some nonfiction type books like The Man Who Couldn't Stop and Devil in the White City to keep learning, but fiction allows for learning, too. John Irving is my favorite author. I'm tempted to say Steinbeck, too, but I've only read East of Eden thus far. I love when the emotional experience of reading is palpable, regardless of the emotion. Shrill, The Revenant, and The First Bad Man are my favorites so far from what I've read this year.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I LOVED my visit to Key West, and especially my stay out on Fort Jefferson.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love genuine opportunities to discuss feminism and related topics. I find generally both parties end up learning a lot more about how to more effectively empathize with the general population.

I also love working with engineering outreach, particularly developing new strategies to reach, interest, and retain underrepresented populations.

I'd love to nerd out about art, literature, science, or whatever it is you're passionate about.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I tend to research things - pretty much anything - more than the average person. I have weird pockets of knowledge that come in handy from time to time.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States