Hey! So you've found your way to my profile. Welcome! My name is Stephanie and I am from Ohio, USA. I just moved to the big city and started working a social worker. I’m aiming to start my masters degree next fall. I want to be someone that people can come to when they need help. I want to change the lives of people who are suffering and make the world a better place. Am I naive and crazy to think that I can do it? Maybe.. But I'm going for it anyways.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am on CS because I believe the best way to get to know a culture is by being immersed in the actual culture. Staying in hotel rooms, ordering room service and only doing the touristy things is no way to travel. So I hope that by being here I can meet the locals during my travels and actually get to know new people and new places in a deeper more meaningful and exciting way.

I’ve stayed in several homes and countries via CS and I’ve hosted a couple of folks. Each experience was so lovely and wonderful and fun. I've loved meeting all these new and wonderful people!

Interests

Since I first started traveling (different from vacations), this has become my biggest passion. I am enthralled with meeting new people, learning new cultures and having experiences I can’t get in my own hometown. The world is large and I plan to spend as much of my life exploring it as I can.

Also, I love to listen to music and I love reading. Sadly I don't have as much time to read as I used to, but I guess that's what makes it more involving when I do get to immerse myself in a good book. I am not too much a fan of non-fiction. I love a good fiction story where I can get into the plot and relate with the characters. Reading really is an all-consuming experience for me when I get to it.

I am also interested in things like human rights protection, cooking (but not baking, and I hate making salads and mashed potatoes. I don't know why, I just do haha), working out, occasionally getting into heated debates with people, and sometimes I actually write for my blog Little Me in a Big World (most of the time it just sits there though. I'm terrible at blogging haha).

• culture
• books
• singing
• concerts
• human rights
• cooking
• working out
• reading
• traveling
• blogging
• music
• social work

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: My all-time favorite book is the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I love everything that man has written.

Movies: I like most movies. I'm a fan of cult films like Rocky Horror, Labyrinth and Boondocks Saints as well at all things Disney. Moana and The Lion King are two of my favorites.

Shows: The Walking Dead, Shameless, Anne with an E, M*A*S*H, Big Bang Theory, Bob's Burgers, Parks and Rec.. there are more. I prefer shows to movies usually, but I enjoy both.

Music: Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco, Twenty One Pilots, Imagine Dragons and really all kinds of music depending on my mood.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I haven't really gotten to do too much in my life so far. But I'm on track to change that. So for now, there's these:

1. I had to opportunity to sing a concert under the direction of composer Joseph Martin. I was in high school at the time and invited to sing with another college's University Choir. That is one of my favorite musical experiences.

2. I, though absolutely terrified of heights, went skydiving in Prague! The most exhilarating experience I've ever had! (June 18, 2016)

3. Backpacking Europe for two months, 15 countries, 27 cities

Teach, Learn, Share

I can maybe teach you some vocal music or about social issues since I'm a social worker. I can help you learn or better your English. And I'm willing to learn from you anything you have to teach as well. We can also share a meal during your stay, if you’re interested. I find that coming together over a home cooked meal is a great way to connect with people.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am not sure yet, but we can figure something out :). Maybe some good conversation about social issues, a bit of singing if you catch me in the right mood, and I'd love to cook with you or go out together and explore my new city.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States