I like to think of myself as an explorer, pioneer of the unknown, defender of all things wild! But really this is not the case - I am simply a girl with some zest for life and heart for adventure. Raised on the west coast of the United States, the sea has been a constant element in my life, yet it is only within the last couple years that I have learned to embrace it. After studying ecology and sociology at university, I plunged into the world of marine biology. The more I learn about the sea and all that is connected to it, the more fascinated I become.

Interests

Trying to live life fully alive. Finding humor in ordinary interactions. Enjoying the messy mystery of existing. Learning how much there constantly is to still learn. Loving the beautiful people around me. Appreciating it all. Attempting to do a bit more good than harm while on planet earth.

• culture
• photography
• dancing
• backpacking
• surfing
• sailing
• anthropology
• ecology
• sea
• diving
• stories
• spontaneity

Music, Movies, and Books

I love music. Of all types. And I especially enjoy learning of new artists from new friends. My go-to musicians would have to be Ben Howard, Nick Drake, Rodriguez, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Louis Armstrong, Marvin Gaye, A Tribe Called Quest, Florence + the Machine, Vampire Weekend, alt-J, U2.

As for books, I must be honest in that I am not a fanatic reader - much less than I would like to be. I just get so distracted by the plethora of other activities vying for contemplation! But when I can effectively harness my attention span, I throw myself into the classics, the journal writings of explorers, and non-fiction nature books (e.g. Collapse, Light at the Edge of the World, A Sand County Almanac, Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage, The Kon Tiki Expedition, Treasure Island, Swiss Family Robinson, Heart of Darkness).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Life in general is amazing!! Hard to pin down one thing, especially when even the seemingly ordinary is often incredible - like making tamales in Guatemala, drinking wine with Parisians in a vintage shop, backpacking with friends in my hometown. I feel it's more the people and the atmosphere that transform a moment of action into a memorable story. Okay, that's all of my philosophy talk for the day.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am drawn to rich cultures, rugged seascapes, and eclectic journeys in-between the two. I am looking to experience other marine environments and to learn from the locals who know them well. This world is much bigger than I know and I am likely quite smaller than I realize. It's nuts! In exploring some of the other corners of our common planet, I hope to expand my mind and humble my heart. I hope to share stories and perspectives in an ongoing exchange of teaching and learning - a constant give and take between guru and grasshopper, if you will.

On a less philosophical, more practical level here, I also wish to share nuggets of insight only locals might know - like which creepy dive bar to avoid and where to buy Swiss cheese.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Canada, El Salvador, France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ireland, Nicaragua