CURRENT MISSION

To instill passion for learning in my future 4th grade classroom.

ABOUT ME

My fantasy job would be a "triple threat" broadway star. Since no one enjoys my singing voice, except for my niece and nephew, I've settled on my dream job of teaching. I think the greatest threat facing the U.S. is a lack of educational equality. As an undergrad I wanted to work in sustainable development in developing countries until I joined Teach For America and then went on to work in Taiwan. Now my passion is for teaching, especially in low income communities within the U.S.

I have had the privilege of living an anything but normal life. I've lived in multiple locations throughout the States--and abroad. I've experienced a wide range of cultures and points of view. Along my journey of life, I've met so many inspirational people I am blessed to call friends. I believe that one of the most important characteristics an individual can have is to respect all people, no matter their differences or walks of life. I enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new things.

Some of my hobbies include learning the guitar, trying out new recipes, traveling, working out, and riding on the backs of motorcycles (and hopefully one day riding one on my own). Faith is very important to me, but I believe in helping people, not judging, punishing or killing them...especially in unjustfied wars.

I enjoy all kinds of music, but especially show tunes and hip hop. A fun night for me entails going out with a group of friends, having a couple drinks, a lot of laughs, and dancing the night away (or until closing time), or singing karaoke.

I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, and plan on doing more community service projects once I settle in Philly.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have not yet had a CouchSurfing experience.

Interests

I love the performing arts, music of all kinds (except for heavy metal and country), dance, art galleries, plays, etc. I thrive on cups of coffee (soy lattes, to be specific) in quaint coffee houses. I enjoy exploring new areas and ways of life. I've lived in as many places as countries I've visited. I love international travel and unfortunately haven't done enough. But it's never too late. I used to be decent at Spanish, but am so rusty, it's embarrassing.

I've recently discovered the negative side of consuming too much processed food, and have changed my diet considerably. Although I'm not quite yet vegan, I might get there one day.

• animals
• arts
• singing
• performing arts
• dancing
• dining
• recipes
• coffee
• vegan
• dieting
• working out
• drinking
• motorcycles
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• karaoke
• bungee jumping
• paragliding
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: musicals, independent films, dramas, classics. I HATE horror movies.

Music: Everything but heavy metal and most country.

Books: To Kill a Mockingbird, anything by John Steinbeck, classic literature, informational books.

TV Shows: Seinfeld, Entourage, Dexter, Mr. Bean, No Reservations, Lost

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Although I've never gone bungee-jumping or paragliding (both on my bucket list), I have climbed mountains and eaten animal innards in Taiwan; ridden an elephant and swam in the ocean in Thailand; slept on a sleeper train in Viet Nam; explored temples in Cambodia; made life long friends in Laos; slept at the base of a volcano in Costa Rica; and partied on Bourbon St. in New Orleans.

Teach, Learn, Share

Well, I'm learning how to play the guitar, and hopefully one day I'll be good enough to teach others how to play.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Costa Rica, Germany, Laos, Netherlands, Panama, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Taiwan, United States