Let's get to know one another...

As for the basics, my name is Susie Pederson, and I am a Junior at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. I'm pursuing a major in marketing, which captivates me more and more every day, and a minor in finance, which challenges me in ways I didn't know possible. This semester of spring 2016, I'm lucky enough to be studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain! My hope is to travel, meet new people, and see as much of Europe as possible in my 4 short months across the pond. I'm hoping couch surf will help me do that, and I hope that once I return to the states I can pay it forward and host all you wonderful people in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Sometimes I like to think I'm a hard worker...
Why? Because I work at the Starbucks inside of my business school two days a week! This way I have access to endless espresso shots and good company throughout the day. I make and pour coffee for my friends, professors, and polite professionals with my awesome co-workers and wonderful boss by my side. It's tough. But joking aside, I worked four jobs this summer, seven days a week, in order to make as much money as possible before going abroad. This is a goal I've set for myself and fought to make financially feasible. However, it's still not, and never will be, but that's something I'll worry about later because I'm currently too busy enjoying every moment abroad.

I've also been described as passionate.
I'm passionate about a lot of things... animal welfare, feminism, education, mental health, my faith, my family, and people. 
Animal welfare is arguably my number one. I currently volunteer at the local animal shelter in Golden Valley, where I facilitate adoptions and care for the dogs by cleaning, feeding, and socializing them throughout my shift. It may very well be the best job in the world. I've also been privledged enough to foster a few times for another local shelter in Eden Prairie, much to the dismay of my family, who don't seem to love it when I bring home 90 lb dogs on occassion. I think it's a blast.

I'm also very much a homebody, which is why this opportunity to travel is so valuable to me.
Despite their reluctance to accept my constant singing and unruly desire to open our home to shelter dogs, I love my mom and my two sisters, Kristie (26) and Laurel (24) even with those unfortunate flaws! Hence attending a university 30 minutes from home. Though this in-state lifestyle is stygmatized as the easy way out for the immature, antisocial, and unprepared, I could not be happier with my decision and could not disagree more. The Minnesota culture is something that is so unqiue, so genuine, and something to be so proud of. I'm surrounded by humble, ambitious individuals, and I'm able to spend precious time with my family whenever I am able. It's a pretty good life. 

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm coach surfing to see, learn, and experience as many cultures as possible.

But most importantly, big fan of people. I like to talk, cook, hike, drive, drink, and play music with people. If you fall into one or more of those categories, let's hang out ;)

Interests

The little things that are underappreciated...
Dogs
​...all kinds, but especially shelter dogs, goldens, & cavaliers.
Leah, Madi, Chase, Erin, Matt, Shan (hey guys)
Coffee in the morning & afternoon & night
Bonfires & s'mores
Boating in the summer (s/o to the land of 10k lakes)
Playing the piano
Sirius Black
Music festivals
Crocs. seriously they'll change your life.
Gopher pride

• animals
• dogs
• culture
• singing
• music festivals
• festivals
• animal welfare
• education
• womens rights
• cooking
• coffee
• coach
• drinking
• boating
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• piano
• hiking
• surfing
• business
• teaching
• volunteering
• lakes

Music, Movies, and Books

As for the best thing in life, music...
A Cappella - of course
​Pentatonix
Straight No Chasers
Peter Hollens
Anthem Lights
Ed Sheeran
The Piano Guys
Coldplay
Lindsey Stirling
Broadway scores
Wicked
Les Mis
Mumford & Sons
Eric Whitacre
Ron Pope
Steve Moakler
Andrew Ripp
Did I say Pentatonix yet?
John Mayer
Ben Rector
Michael Buble
Five for Fighting
One Republic
Matt Kearney
Sleeping At Last
J Biebs & One Direction..
they're just great. I can't lie.

I also appreciate a good book...
Harry Potter. books & movies, all fantastic
the best book of all? Order of the Phoenix.
The Hunger Games - again, the movies do them justice
Political Thrillers
Vince Flynn
John Grisham
James Patterson
Murder Mysteries
The Murder House
Serial!! I know it's a podcast, but it's worth writing down.
Also Criminal
TedX podcasts are wonderful as well

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, England, France, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States