Hello!

My name is Shaina Dwyer. I have a Bachelor's degree from Saint Cloud State Univeristy. I have been working since I was 15, mostly in restaurants as a server, bartender, then manager. I've worked as a sales representative for a technology company and a tutor in college. I am still looking for my "dream job" and am starting to doubt that such a thing actually exists!!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I plan on continuing my education to obtain my Masters Degree in Sociology but wanted to take time off to travel first. I have given myself 2 years to do as much traveling as I can so I have all the time in the world but unfortunately not all the money in the world! Haha!

I have been using sites like helpx and workaway to keep my traveling expenses down. In exchange for a few hours of work a day I am provided with food and accommodation. This has worked wonderfully for when I am in one place for a longer period of time. Unfortunately, when I am just visiting places for a day or two I am having to stay in backpackers or hotels. This is okay every now and again but in hotels I don't get to meet people, in backpackers I get to meet lots of people but always other travelers instead of locals! I think couchsurfing would help me save money and meet more locals.

Interests

In my free time I like to camp, hike, rockclimb, kayak, and read. I also really love spending time with my family (hard to do while so far away!) but when I was home I spent a lot of time with my little nephews. I loved taking them camping and rockclimbing with me.

I love doing almost any activity outdoors! I love good food and drinks. Grilling outside with a glass of wine is my favorite way to do dinner. Throw on a little music and I'm immediately in vacation mode!

I love socializing but am also really good at entertaining myself. :)

Music, Movies, and Books

I just finished House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski. It was AMAIZING! I recommend it to everyone. Proceed with caution though, it did give me a few nightmares.

Currently I am reading When You Are Engulfed In Flames by David Sedaris. It is hilarious!

I don't watch TV very often. But when I do I like shows like; Big Bang Theory, Suits, Game of Thrones, and An Idiot Abroad.

Music is all over the place for me. I like Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, Lukas Graham, Lorde, Highly Suspect, and much more.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I was 16 I bought a motorcycle from a junk yard and my dad helped me rebuild it :) I continue to work on vehicles, even while traveling as iv found it a very handy skill on road trips :D

Teach, Learn, Share

I am going to be a student for life. I find school pleasurable. I love going to class, love homework, and loved tutoring others most of all. I am always interested in learning new things. I learned new recipes in Thailand and learned how to scubadive in Indonesia. I learned how to drive on the opposite side of the road in Australia :o and learned how to make crème brule!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am kind and respectful. I can share some of my hilarious failures from my travels so far. Seriously wonder how I'm still alive some days.. I can cook (I don't claim to be any good but I find it challenging and fun)

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Indonesia, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States