CURRENT MISSION

Gallivant through Europe!

ABOUT ME

I am currently a Fulbright Scholar conducting research at the University of Bonn for a year! I am also a 2nd year graduate student in civil and environmental engineering at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, USA (which is 5 hours east of Seattle, WA).

But more about myself - I'm a pretty easy going guy with a quirky personality! I'm open to meeting new people all the time! I'm also a runner. It is my eventual goal to run a full marathon, but right now I'm sticking with my halfs. I run every day (yes, every day) to keep in tip top shape! I also enjoy Haribo candy and chocolate!

I've traveled Europe before; however, 3 months has been the longest stay. I will be in Germany for an entire year with the Fulbright program! I plan to take advantage of this year abroad with travel, research, and making new friends!

Der Weg ist das Ziel. - The journey is the reward.

PHILOSOPHY

"Der Weg ist das Ziel". - The journey is the reward.

Ever since I saw the above German quote on another Couchsurfer's wall, I've lived by this philosophy. In addition, it is the tagline at the bottom of all my emails. While it is great to have goals in mind, the end result may or may not be what you expected. Here's an example:

I applied for many fellowships during my first year as a grad student hoping to snag one to ensure funding for my PhD. I didn't get any of the ones that I really wanted, except for Fulbright! While I thought I had failed, I really didn't. The work I put into these essays definitely helped my own research. It was the journey that meant more to me than whatever the result was.

Another example: I'm currently working on my PhD at the same institution I got my BS. That's currently frowned upon to stay at the same school for all your degrees. While I am a little worried, I know in the end, it'll be alright. It's the journey that you've chosen and what you decide to do with that time (i.e. publish papers and do good research), that'll matter the most.

While the above examples almost make me seems selfish, I'm not. I just want to point out that it's the effort that really matters even if the goal you have in mind is not reached or attained. Personally, you will have grown because you set your mind to something and were determined to get there. You've already accomplished something with making that effort towards a goal: trying and putting forth the effort. Initiative. Doing. What about the others that didn't shoot for your goal?

Der Weg ist das Ziel.

Pourquoi je suis sur Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have a fairly large dorm room in Bonn, Germany. I may not have enough blankets and such, but it is floor space!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have had three CS experiences: in Köln (Cologne), just outside Paris, and in Zürich. They were all amazing. My hosts cared very much for their surfers and want to make sure they enjoy their stay.

Centres d'intérêt

Running: I started running two summers ago and now I can't go one day without running first thing after waking up. A day without running is like a day without sunshine! Lol. My personal record is 1:30 for a half marathon, which occurred during the Köln 1/2 Marathon, Oct 2nd! I hope to use running as a way to keep myself motivated to stay healthy, stay on track to finish my PhD (eventually), and have a good work-life balance!

Chocolate: I've pretty much tried all the cheap chocolate at the major German grocery stores. I can honestly say they taste as good as more expensive stuff. One or two (or three) chocolate bars a week does me well!

HARIBO: I love those gummy bears. Since I'm from Bonn, I need to like them.

Traveling!

• perfumes
• chocolate
• marathon
• running
• traveling
• track and field
• engineering

Morceaux de musique, films et livres

Books: Harry Potter series, Ender's Game series

Music: Current hits on the radio (they are just catchy and good to dance to)

Some artists I enjoy: Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, RHCP, Green Day, Queen, Boston, Beethoven, Bach

Une aventure extraordinaire que j'ai vécue

The most amazing thing I've done so far is currently happening: living in Germany for an entire year! Even though I am far away from my family and friends, I truly believe that this experience is something I will never forget and will help me grow into a global and open-minded professional.

Enseignez, apprenez, partagez

"Learning by doing."

If you haven't tried it, then how do you know you won't enjoy/like it? If you don't take chances, you may never make a mistake and learn from it. Or you may not experience something incredible.

Pays que j'ai visités

Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland

Pays dans lesquels j'ai vécu

Germany, United States