My name is Marisa and I am 22 years old. I graduated from the University of Iowa, where I studied biochemistry and psychology. I love to dance on my living room table with my roommate. I clean when I get stressed out. I love to bake and cook, trying new recipes as often as I can. I am a sucker for bad puns. I have a mild addiction to chocolate and love to watch scary movies... even though they give me nightmares. I am currently in the middle of my gap year before attending medical school, and am trying to live life and explore as much as possible during this time.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have spent my entire life living in the Midwest. When I went to college, I began traveling on my own and my eyes were opened to amazing new cultures. I realized that there was so much more to life than just what I have experienced thus far. I don't want to go through my life unaware. I want to travel and meet new people and hear their stories. I want to live a life full of journeys, to have my own collection of stories to tell.

Interests

Being in nature and exploring new sites are my fondest memories. I enjoy the outdoors whether it be snowboarding, cliff diving, hiking, scuba diving, camping- I love it all! I also enjoy playing the piano, reading whenever I get the chance, and watching TEDTalks. Basically, I love to learn new things, see new things, experience new things!

• dancing
• cooking
• recipes
• chocolate
• movies
• reading
• traveling
• piano
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• scuba diving
• snowboarding
• psychology

Music, Movies, and Books

I am an avid Harry Potter fan and have read the series over 20 times. It always gave me the sense of wonder and taught me to see magic in everyday life.
I love listening to alternative and indie music or anything else that is relatively unknown! I think it reflects my personality in the fact that I love discovering things and relishing in the experience of the new and unknown.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Italy, Mexico, Virgin Islands, British

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States