CURRENT MISSION

Continuously learn! - I love experiencing new adventures and learning from others

ABOUT ME

Traveling is my #1 passion. I work so I can have money to travel. I find great joy in meeting new people from all over the world.

My #2 passion has to be the way businesses and organizations impact our daily lives. I am really interested to pursue a business degree and work in the emerging markets (Eastern Europe, Africa, ect). I think it is incredible the way that selling goods/services into the global marketplace can elevate a country's standard of living an improve the lives of it's citizens. I am still learning a lot about this issue but I feel that it is the direction that I wish to take my career. I guess that's the long way to say I like business development!

Despite my budding interest in business, my background is actually in engineering. I spent a few years working in the Detroit area with a noise and vibration company, which is a specific offshoot of mechanical engineering. Our primary clients were automotive companies because we were based out of Detroit. I learned a ton about acoustics and am happy to share my knowledge about sound transfer and discuss how it relates to music.

Finally -- I find most topics of conversation interesting and am passionate about politics, business, religion, art and music. I would call myself a novice in all areas but that's what makes the conversation fun - learning from others.

PHILOSOPHY

I live my life so I may be enriched by others. I tend to be a quieter person but when I reflect on the causes I care about it is always due to the people involved. I like being surrounded by and meeting more great people.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I listen first and comment later. I think the art to communication is first taking the time to understand the other persons perspectives. Its amazing how much I can learn about my own preconceived notions when I shut my mouth and simply listen.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have never had a Couch Surfing experience... yet! I am excited to begin connecting w/ others.

Interests

Traveling to new places, learning to speak additional languages, art & good scotch!

Most recently I've taken up an interest in couch surfing! My first large international trip was in 2011 for a study abroad experience. Those three months really opened up my eyes to how much of the world is available to explore. While I discovered new places in 2011 the main component that was missing was connecting with people. I am excited about CS because it focuses on the human experience not just seeing famous locations.

• arts
• causes
• walking
• politics
• traveling
• music
• surfing
• business
• engineering
• languages
• religion
• study abroad
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Braveheart, Gladiator, Casablanca, Dark Knight Rises, Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers. My definition of a good movie is one you can watch despite already knowing the ending.
Music: Guns 'n Roses & Frank Sinatra - a bit of an eclectic pairing, I know
Books: Count of Monte Cristo, Lord of the Rings, Sherlock Holmes. Lately I've been doing a lot of reading on business and organizational development. My favorites in that genre are "Good to Great" and "Switch"

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most amazing thing I have seen thus far was walking Omaha Beach in Normandy. I found the American Cemetery very moving. The sacrifice made by so many was palpable and powerful.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am happy to share what I have including language skills, insight into the USA and some limited computer skills. I am sure I know more than these things but I find placing my skills in a list challenging.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States