I am a Midwestern transplant who has been here for about 6 years--I have lived and worked mostly in Southeast Seattle. I work with youth (primarily ages 8-14), which I find challenging, amusing, eye-opening, and rewarding...sometimes all in the same moment! I care a lot about my community and feel fortunate to live in an area where I am always exposed to new perspectives and ideas. In my free-time, I enjoy reading, exploring new places, and dabbling in creating (modest) art.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have experienced and grown from the generosity of others while traveling--it has given me the confidence to make the most of my time in a new place. I find that people can be especially open when traveling, and I find it very refreshing to hear others' stories and experiences.

Interests

I love: flea markets, public art and murals, a good cheeseburger, bathroom grafitti, people watching, public transit, sending and receiving mail, bookstores and public libraries, local politics (when it's not exasperating!), a good potluck (I have about two go-to dishes), Free Will Astrology, and tattoos.

• arts
• tattoos
• coffee
• potluck
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• parks

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite books: Breath, Eyes, Memory (Edwidge Danticat), The Story of Jane (Laura Kaplan), White Teeth (Zadie Smith), short stories by Sherman Alexie

Recent favorites: Americanah (Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche), salt. (poetry by Nayyirah Waheed), Improbable Scholars (David Kirp)

Music: Fleetwood Mac (all day, every day), Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder

What I Can Share with Hosts

My guests are welcome to peruse: my assortment of postcards to send mail to loved ones, my fledgling record collection, and my library.

I'd love to share recommendations for my favorite Seattle parks, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and bookstores to visit--I'd like to think that I know quite a few hidden gems, especially in the Rainier Valley. I also know the public transportation system *very* well, as I rode the bus everywhere for my first several years living here...can give lots of tips about that!

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Ghana