CURRENT MISSION

Exploring

ABOUT ME

In France again for an internship at the Pasteur Institute in Lille. Looking to meet people from all over interested in exploring, doing any kind of outdoor sports (climbing, hiking, backpacking, fishing, running). I'll be spending some time down in the Alpes for a few weeks around the beginning of August so let me know if you'll be in the area then too!

I'm a recent Uni graduate applying to graduate school while working and trying to fit in time to play outside. I love traveling and have been throughout the US, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, France, Italy, and Switzerland. Hoping to increase that list and meet people from all over.

PHILOSOPHY

"Only a life lived for others is worth living" - A.Einstein

I fill my time being a huge nerd. Graduate/medical school on the horizon :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Any way possible. I'd love to surf, host, meet for a drink, go hiking, hang out, whatever suits the moment. I speak English and French so language exchange is always a good way to get to know people. I have a limited amount of hiking/climbing gear with me here in France but we can always go explore the local climbing gym if the weather doesn't agree with us!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Surfed with Alain in Marseille, got to know Pipo when he came to Paris for a while, Nils and Dom from Munich, and a lot of friends who weren't technically couch surfers in the DR and Costa Rica.

Interests

I love being outdoors hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, etc. and also enjoy reading, politics, playing guitar, exercising.

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness" -Mark Twain. My goal is to see the world and understand its people through genuine personal experiences. I'd like to meet anyone who has an open mind as is willing to share ideas and experiences.

• literature
• education
• exercise
• running
• drinking
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• guitar
• outdoor activities
• fishing
• hiking
• backpacking
• kayaking
• camping
• mountaineering
• sports
• rock climbing
• biology
• chemistry
• teaching
• medicine
• nursing
• physics
• religion
• language exchange

Music, Movies, and Books

Mountains Beyond Mountains - Tracy Kidder
Newsweek, The Economist, NY Times (Global)
The "For Dummies" series - great way to learn new topics quickly and easily!
I like many different kinds of music and any good book that comes recommended from a friend. Reading is the key to the world.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once met a 19 year old girl who had a severe, chronic case of cancer, graft vs. host disease (GVHD), 2 resected ribs (another cancer), was malnourished, undergoing chemotherapy, in the hospital for a recent collar bone fracture. At the same time, she was registered full-time in University to be a nurse so that she could help others. This girl was overcoming monumental personal adversity to benefit others. This is the value of human potential.

Teach, Learn, Share

Hmmm, things I have to offer:

Because of my education I've a good understanding of the sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) but I like to keep up-to-date on politics, literature, and especially medicine. If you'd like to talk about any of these subjects, I'm always up for a good discussion.

I play guitar casually which could be a great exchange experience. Also, anything about outdooring/hiking/camping/climbing is great. I particularly enjoy conversations with people about nearly any topic; questions on religion, humanity, evolution, nature.

and traveling!