Hi! I'm Emily, but most people call me Em. I am an 18 year old student at the University of Guelph located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada (an hour outside of Toronto). I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I chose these subject areas because I find people so interesting! I was born and raised in Toronto but have always been a bit of a country girl. The first time I got on a plane I was six weeks old and I flew to Chicago to meet my mom's side of my family. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to travel the world. So far I've made it through most of Canada, about 20 states, Cuba, and Costa Rica. I love playing guitar and singing, running, horseback riding, and any kind of outdoor activity. I have always loved working with children and watching them learn new things and grow. I can't wait to meet people from all around the world and learn more and more every day.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Getting an authentic experience as I travel the world is so important to me. Whether it be helping cook a local dish, seeing locations that a regular traveler wouldn't get the chance to see, or just having someone to show you around their wonderful city. The atmosphere of couchsurfing is so enchanting and I believe that this is one of the best ways to get to see everything each city has to offer.

Interests

There are so many things that interest me and I am always open to try new things. When I was little I danced for about six years, I played on all the sports teams at school and I have been horseback riding for 10 years new. I play the guitar and sing, play the ukulele, and can make my way through a couple songs on the piano! I love being outside and exploring even within my own city. It's so great to experience something new even when you may have been somewhere 100 times already. I love creating things whether it be crafts, music, or any other opportunity.

• singing
• cooking
• running
• walking
• crafts
• flying
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• guitar
• piano
• drums
• outdoor activities
• equestrian
• zip-line
• sports
• teaching
• psychology
• sociology
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

When it comes to music I can never pick a favourite artist/band or song. My favourite song changes every single day. If you shuffled my library you would find everything from Disney soundtrack scores, country, top 40s, classic rock, and even some heavy metal. I enjoy watching action and comedy films but I will always go for an independent film with a couple characters just trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do with their life. I have this interesting cycle where I read obsessively for about 4 months straight and then don't touch a book for about six months but in all the novels I have gone through, I would have to pick "Kill me if you can" by James Patterson, and "Men and Dogs" by Katie Crouch. They are very different and I love them both. Kill me if you can follows a diamond heist and the consequences of trying to fool the wrong person while Men and Dogs chronicles the life of a woman who's father disappeared and is thought to be dead and how that has affected every part of her existence. I think the most important part of music, movies, and books are the journey that each takes you on in each new song, scene, and chapter.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I would say the most amazing thing I've done is zip lining in Costa Rica. It was something my mom talked about doing when I was a little kid and after seeing her photos I knew I had to go. Thankfully I had the opportunity to make that trip and fulfill that dream. I have always been the get up and go a little dare devilish type and I have always wanted to fly. After running off the tree top platform and free falling for a second or two I thought that this must be what it feels like to be a bird soaring high above the clouds. On the longest span I leaned my head all the way back and stared up at the trees whirring by. I never wanted it to end.

Teach, Learn, Share

The only jobs I've ever had have been working or volunteering with children and other people. I strongly believe that teaching and learning go hand in hand. Even in school in a lecture or seminar the professor learns just as much from their students as they learn from them. Sharing knowledge and new experiences with people is the best way to grow as a person and learn more about yourself and the world around you.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I often carry my guitar or ukulele with me and if that isn't possible I always have my voice. Music is one of my passions and always has been. I sing in the shower, walking to the bus, doing my homework, and basically anytime I am awake. I also find great joy in learning different people's perspective on any kind of topic. I can be a great conversationalist in most subject areas especially philosophy, today's society, and of course music.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Israel, New Zealand, Peru, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada