Hello! My name is Ronnie Kuriakose. I am 20 years old, and I am trying to expand my horizons. I was born in New Jersey, moving to Houston, Texas when I was 10. I joke around and say that my roots are in Jersey, but my trunk is in Houston. Extending this contrived metaphor, my "leaves" are in Virginia, where I am a university student at the University of Virginia!

What my corny metaphors prove to show are some of my main qualities. I love having fun, trying new things, cracking corny jokes even though the situation does not call for it, and many other things! My close friends say that I am energetic, caring, and I always look out for ways to make people's day. I always feel that we have the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life, and if we one day interact, I hope to try!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

"I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon — if I can. I seek opportunity — not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations, and to face the world boldly and say, this I have done."

I want a break from the ordinary. Very soon, I will be finishing college and I will be running head first into the corporate world of business. Before I sell my soul to the "corporate devil", I hope to have a taste of adventure. I want to grow up. I want to pop any bubbles that I may place myself in, and I want to be understanding of other people and other cultures. I want to make a difference wherever I go, and not be stuck in the same place. I want to exchange stories, give advice, and find friends along the way.

Interests

• cooking
• traveling
• socializing
• solo travel
• adventure travel
• meeting people
• learning new things
• meeting new people
• making friends
• trying new things
• trying new foods
• learning cultures
• daring things

Music, Movies, and Books

Books:
The Once and Future King- The book that defines who I am
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Robinson Crusoe
Emotional Intelligence
The Power Broker
Eragon
Gregor the Overlander
Arthur Pendragon

Movies:
The War Horse
Interstellar
The Dark Knight Rises
Lilo and Stitch
Tarzan
Lion King

Music:
Anything with meaning! Currently love Chances album: Coloring Book
Lumineers
Classical Music

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

This was during my big trip to Europe. I was in Cinque Terre, Italy, and my sister was looking forward to the "best Pesto in her life". Apparently she deemed a little Italian restaurant in one of the towns the best spot to satiate her desire. May I emphasize small. We were looking for it for an hour, but we still could not find it. My sister, hangry and stressed began to lose hope when we finally find it. Closing.

I could see the defeat, and anguish on her face as she started grumbling. Not giving up, I walked in, and in broken Italian, I asked if we could still take a seat. Nope! Order to go? Nope! I started feeling hopeless and then I told the waiter our story. We immediately connected, and he offered to make us fresh bread and pesto. Not the most amazing thing ever, but one of the most meaningful.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you public speaking, emotional intelligence, basics of investing, or anything else a bratty college kid can claim to share. In reality, I am travelling to learn more about myself and understand the world that we live in. Hopefully, we can both share in that experience.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am someone who always loves adventure. Therefore, something i can offer are tall tales, as well as the times i placed myself in some pretty weird situations. I have been humbled by everything that life has given me, and I would love to answer any questions or curiosities that you may have of me.

I am also a great cook (meat is my specialty) and I can dial up my OCD whenever necessary. Cleaning is no problem for me. If you need a friend to volunteer with, or someone to try something new with, I am more than willing to be a part of the adventure you are weaving yourself. Let me know how I can help!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, United States