CURRENT MISSION

I will be spending several months in Norway (July to September) enacting a street photography project on black and white film that will serve as a social commentary on homogeneity and ethnic diversity in a rapidly growing nation.

ABOUT ME

Ah... the difficult task of trying to briefly encapsulate myself in a blurb... Well, I am an outgoing and creative person with a passion for exploration and creating relationships with open and interesting people. At times I can be a bit eccentric, and you will usually see me with a smile on my face.

I am currently an undergraduate at Stanford University, studying English and American Studies (although my interests are far wider than what I have chosen to study in university.) I love to talk about literature and to listen to stories. I am also a black and white film photographer, and carry my camera with me wherever I go. I love hiking, kayaking, climbing, listening to music, and dancing until I can't anymore.

I am interested in art, rock, bluegrass, hip hop, conceptions of race and identity, new journalism, the beat generation, and exploring the outdoors.

PHILOSOPHY

I think that the purpose of human existence is to do something beautiful with their time on Earth, and I mean "beautiful" in its most subjective sense. For me, some of this beauty is traveling the world and sharing time with diverse people, all while capturing special moments on film.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Currently I am traveling and am hoping to find hosts in Norway and later throughout Europe. Once I return to Stanford, and especially once I move out of the dorms and into my own place, I will be happy to start housing as many travelers as I can.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I am brand new to the couchsurfing community!

Interests

Black and White Photography
Literature
Music
Hiking
Getting Lost

• arts
• literature
• photography
• beauty
• dancing
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• kayaking
• rock climbing
• history
• journalism
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

I love watching and analyzing movies (once I was even a Film major)...Some of my favorite directors include: Quentin Tarantino, Wes Anderson, and Hayao Miyazaki. My all time favorite films are probably Do The Right Thing and Citizen Cane.

My favorite black and white photographers are Robert Frank, Diane Arbus, and Minor White.

When it comes to books, I have so many favorites that it seems impossible to jot them all down. I really love Milan Kundera, Joan Didion, Ernest Hemingway, and Franz Kafka. I have what seems like an insurmountable wall of books that I wish to read before I die, and I am working as fast as I can to make my way through those words while still taking the time to absorb their meaning.

My life revolves around music. I am unfortunately not inclined to play an instrument, but there is a constant soundtrack to my existence. I listen to the Grateful Dead while I study. I listen to A Tribe Called Quest when I am relaxing... and I sing along to Neil Young while I'm in the shower. It is rare that I am not blasting music or listening to headphones (except of course when I am having a conversation).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was able to host my favorite activist and rapper, Brother Ali, in a talk on religion, hip hop, and race at Stanford University and engage with him on a panel discussion in front of my peers and my community! The man is as wise and good natured as they come, and it was a wonderful privilege to be in his presence.

Teach, Learn, Share

I would love to share all the information I know about black and white film photography, hip hop and its history, and my favorite authors.

I can analyze the meaning of an Emily Dickinson poem for you if you tell me a story about yourself or teach me a dish from your region.