CURRENT MISSION

Education without egocentrism.

ABOUT ME

I'm equal parts bubbly and contemplative. I travel with wide eyes, attentive ears, and open expectations. Most days I fill reading, hiking, eating, learning, and having good conversation. I love meeting new people (although I still get a healthy dose of nerves each time), but I find my best conversations happen one on one rather than in a group.
Three years ago, I took a year and a half off from school (I attend Williams College) in hopes of finding some perspective on myself, my values, and the state of our country and world. I then returned to school feeling remarkably refreshed after my experiences backpacking across the United States. I owe so much to couchsurfing.

I just moved out to Seattle, and am currently working at a homeless shelter (Blaine Center), doing counseling, case management, and data analysis. I'm looking for friends and tour guides!!!

PHILOSOPHY

I aim to use pain and adversity in life as a source of empathy and courage rather than a wound or blind spot. Life can be harmful, but I strive to remain harmless. I sometimes find the best way to maintain my happiness is to listen to others' stories to learn, keep perspective, and keep moving.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Currently, telling as many people that will listen about how Courchsurfing changed (and perhaps saved) my life.

visited 35 states (70%)Create your own visited map of The United States or Triposo world travel guide for Android
visited 14 states (6.22%)Create your own visited map of The World or Triposo world travel guide for Android

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I first used couchsurfing around MA and VT to meet some people and learn the lay of the land, but didn't truly appreciate the extent that CS could make me a more understanding, calm, and knowledgable person until I began surfing across the US in February 2014.

My couchsurfing experiences have varied in almost every way but have been universally rewarding.

Interests

I used to say that everything interested me, but perhaps that was an optimistic notion- and yet still I am curious about most things. Here goes: rugby, civil rights issues, photography, politics, hiking, psychology, food, feminism, soccer, hockey, and film.

And above all, disrupting and dismantling systems of oppression.

• photography
• civil rights
• education
• womens rights
• dining
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• hiking
• backpacking
• surfing
• soccer
• hockey
• rugby
• teaching
• psychology
• tourism

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: A bit of everything- a lot of alternative, some bluegrass, blues, hip hop, and I admit that Sinatra will always put me into a good mood. I currently co-host a college radio show with a friend that only features badass female artists- a lot of hiphop, electronica, and indie.
Movies: Anything that develops its characters past your first instinct
Books: I've been reading mostly nonfiction recently- biographies, political commentaries, travel memoirs, environmental journalism. There are too many good books to read!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

After my first rugby match (I played for three years in a collegiate league before I got too many concussions), my heart was hammering, I was grinning broadly, and I was struck by the thought, "this is the most powerful I've ever felt." I seek to prove myself again in similar ways all the time.

Teach, Learn, Share

I don't have much to teach- I have much more to learn.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Patience, a smile, an open heart, and a loud laugh!

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Canada, France, Italy, Saint Lucia, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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