CURRENT MISSION

To meet new people and gain new perspectives.

ABOUT ME

I am a 21 year old third year student from the University of Edinburgh currently finishing a year abroad in Pennsylvania. I love music (playing and listening), films, football (soccer) and even starting to get into a bit of basketball. I also love reading, its very cliche but after reading jack Kerouac's 'On the Road' I was determined to see as much of America as possible before going back to the UK.

I have had a girlfriend for over two years so the decision to study abroad was not made lightly. She came and visited for a few weeks and I enjoyed the opportunity to show her around philadelphia and it just gave me an excuse to keep going back to New York.

I have no real idea of what I want to do career wise and am hoping that one day it will all become clear. I'm still not ruling out a career as a professional footballer just yet.

PHILOSOPHY

Just to try and enjoy everything about life. That's my philosophy but I don't necessarily always follow it. Sometimes its nice to think how lucky you are and just to appreciate the simple things people take for granted. I guess also always giving people a chance and never pre-judging I think is very important. If you do this, you are so often surprised.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

So currently I am just travelling around the U.S but I am hoping to be able to host when I go back to England and also when I go back to Edinburgh to finish my studies.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have literally just heard about couch surfing from another exchange student. I think its a brilliant idea and am looking forward to meeting other couch surfers.

Interests

I will always prefer a smaller group when it comes to socialising as i believe there is less small talk and you are more likely to learn more about the people you are with.

• culture
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• music
• surfing
• basketball
• soccer
• study abroad

Music, Movies, and Books

I think one of my favourite (rather depressing) books is The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I think 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' by Lionel Shriver had a big impact on me. Its just such a sad story. Both books I have listed here are sad but have very interesting relationships between parents and their children that I find fascinating.

Pulp Fiction: The dialogue between Samuel and Travolta is priceless,

It's a wonderful Life: absolutely genius, always so relevant to ANY generation and a brilliant feel good film.

Music wise I just love bands. Mainly alternative/indie stuff. Bands such as The Smiths, The Cribs, The Maccabees, The Strokes, Noah and the Whale and Bombay Bicycle Club are all winners for me. I also really like dubstep, recently went to see Skream and Benga in New York which was pretty incredible. Just something about making the predictable poppy songs really bass heavy that makes me smile.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think probably for me (although its probably not very impressive) studying for a year in the USA being away from my girlfriend and my family for nearly a year has to be one of my most amazing experiences. It has really opened my mind and changed a lot of stereotypes I had in my mind before I came.

Teach, Learn, Share

I think talking to anyone from a different background and who has grown up in a different culture is always interesting. I like people who speak their mind and who have opinions but they are also open to listening to yours and have an open mind.

Countries I’ve Visited

Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Spain, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom, United States

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