CURRENT MISSION

I want to learn about myself through in a culture that is anything but what I'm used to...and to be happy.

ABOUT ME

I think for whatever reason I matured a little bit faster than my pupils. When I was 18 and entering the university, I think I was right in thinking this; however, I don't think I had finished growing neither then, and not now either.

I worked tirelessly through my student years and graduated a little bit ahead time only to now realize that I missed out on a lot of the wonderful connections you can make in a thoughtful community such as academia.

I really don't know what I want from life, but I know that I don't want to again sacrifice efficiency for life experience.

I just moved back to the states from a very small oyster farming town on the west coast of France. I work as an mentor and tutor for inner-city school children hear in Philly. It's not one of the steps I imagined when envisioning my future during university, but I'm glad that I opted for the opportunity.

I really want to take myself out of my comfort zone, and to place myself in new and foreign/unfamiliar circumstances; so I can learn about the true essence of who I am, and who I want to become.

I know that I want to continue my studies in human rights in the near future, but the world in which we live is so vast that I am sure there are more than one way to go about it.

For me, the journey is the destination.

PHILOSOPHY

I was always a very quiet and thoughtful child, but it wasn't until I was in the university that I realized I was practicing philosophy from a very young age.

I lean towards quantitative and scientifically-aligned philosophies, though I'll undermine myself right now by saying that I don't believe in 'determinism'.

I don't adhere to any religion or structured beliefs, but I do have a sense that there is something important about having morals(as you define them).

Some of the old and simple stuff works just fine for me...do unto others...

Also, live to be happy. That's what I think is the most important.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have couch surfed with several members throughout western Europe. I'd like to extend that experience to the US now. Unfortunately I cannot host because of a difficult living situation. However, I would be willing to meet others and show them around the city.

I would like to become more active in the social community of CS as well.

And when I return in some months to Philadelphia, I hope to be able to continue and augment my participation in the project.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Generally speaking, my couchsurfing experiences have been very basic, but very good. I have only stayed with hosts, all of whom were very nice, who had responsibilities during the day. This precluded a lot of cultural and intellectual exchange--a piece of the CS Project that I see as of the utmost importance. I would like to begin to meet with nearby CS members for coffee, or for a day at the museum...little things to help nurture the project.

Interests

Music. I've been playing piano for, now, the majority of my life. Guitar...jazz/folk...has also been a recent love of mine. I don't think I could have become the person I am today without my experiences and development with music.

The outdoors. I come from the forest, and some day I'll return there. There is a very simple pleasure I get from a long stroll in nature. But whatever I'm doing, sports, traveling, partying...I prefer to incorporate nature somehow...even if it's just some fresh air.

Meeting people. I really believe that one of the greatest joys in life is meeting other people. I can't honestly say that I hate anyone, and I hope I never will. Because in everyone I've ever met, I've found something about them that I either respect or admire. So hang out with me and I'll boost your self confidence.

• culture
• perfumes
• human rights
• coffee
• partying
• politics
• traveling
• socializing
• painting
• music
• jazz
• guitar
• piano
• outdoor activities
• sports
• teaching
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

This is daunting...so here's a sampling of what I'm watching/listening to/reading right now:

Wes Anderson; Alien; Aronofsky; Blues Brothers; Anchorman; Airplane...

The Mars Volta; Glorytellers; Ted Leo & The Pharmacists; The Dirty Projectors; Weezer; Deltron 3030; Piebald...

Céline; Le Clézio; Dawkins; Chrichton; Cuehlo; Camus; Barthes...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Every day, I realize how precious life is. I think the fact that we're even here is amazing enough. Don't you?

Teach, Learn, Share

I've got a decent background in music, international politics, and human rights. So I'd love to engage in discussions either to share what I now, or challenge and debate our opposing views...maybe both. And I'm always down to jam.

If you want to learn English, I'm more than happy to hang out and help you teach yourself by engaging in activities you would be doing anyway like going to a movie or a museum, but in English.

I'd like to learn French, for the time being, but also open my mind a bit more. The US is a big place, but we only paint with a couple colors, if you catch my drift.