CURRENT MISSION

To break out of this hypnotic routine and actually see things, meet people, and live like a human. For 8 years all I have done is work-worked with kids, my community, which has been great, but I have done nothing for me and I am feeling burnt out.

ABOUT ME

Alright well here this goes! I am a 29 year old dude in Austin, TX. I have been here for six years. I am an honest guy with a sick, kind of crazy sense of humor, but I am considerate and respectful. I don't always say much around new people and some may read that wrong, I am usually just taking it all in. I am a writer and observe my surroundings always, but I am only really cynical about politicians, not my peers. I have strong convictions but truly respect those of others and welcome friendly debate, or a change of subject, either is fine with me. I do like substance in people, I like to learn from people, people who are different from me. I live to understand that I know nothing and learn, even if it is painful at times :). I am real friendly and for the past 6 years all I have done is work. Starting at 22 years old I worked at a treatment center for youth where staff lived there. So that was a total dedication. I then moved to Texas where I worked with the AmeriCorps in an inner city middle school with at-risk youth for one year, 1,700 hours. Following that I worked at a youth shelter for homeless kids in state care where I was a staff, then a supervisor, then a manager. I gave this place all my time and all my heart. A place like that is more than a piece of land with buildings, it becomes something organic and alive. In 2010, in the fall, due to economic contraction, I lost that job. I was out of work for 10 weeks and now I am employed with the State in Family Protective Services. I work nights and don't own a car, so I ride the bus. This job is located in a part of town that takes forever to get to on the bus, and so I end up spending most days riding, working all night, attempting to sleep, then repeating the process. The job is not as rewarding as what I had, and so I am looking for something else. In the end, I may get laid off from this job as well. Traveling is something I have always been aching to do, but never did because of my dedication to the shelter and the kids. Now, with my lease about to be up, and things rapidly changing in my world, it seems like the time to strike out and have a challenge, an adventure, a shaking off, and then return and start from scratch. I am hoping to meet some really great people. I am totally new to all this :). I want to learn and grow. I think of this as something that is both exciting and necessary.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe we are each free and independent human beings, and each of us constitute our own world in a way. I also believe that it is possible that people are all inter-connected in a way that we have lost touch with. I have read about these ideas from many people, smarter than myself, and it seems to explain a good deal about how disconnected we humans are from our planet, our meaning, and each other.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I will participate in anyway I know possible. Currently, I will be traveling and I won't have a home. When I get back to Austin in the fall I will gladly open my doors. Of course I made my initial donation, and will gladly donate more. I will contribute to any household, in any way I can.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have not yet had an experience, hoping to get that opportunity :).

Interests

Outdoors, running, swimming, music, reading, writing, good conversation, road trips, family, community service, politics, FREEDOM.

• writing
• running
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• outdoor activities
• swimming
• road trips

Music, Movies, and Books

Dave Matthews Band is one of my favorites, bottom line is with music I can listen to just about anything and probably get into it. Some exceptions are some of the crap on the mainstream radio that demonstrate zero originality and, I am sorry to offend :), country music, BUT with music, I am highly adaptable. Music is an awesome human creation. Its crazy how we can't get along with it. Some of my favorite books: On The Road Again, Kaffir Boy, Drift, The Magus, The Intelligent Universe, and a lot more. As far as movies, hmm,Memento, American Beauty, Idiocracy and lots more.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I can only say that I have worked with some of the most remarkable adolescents you can imagine. I am taking this trip because I want to do more amazing things, but I do not want to minimize the experience I have had. The human interactions, bonds forged through conflict and subsequent resolution, have been inexplicably profound in terms of their impact on my life and world view. I look forward to leaving in July and expanding my horizons yet more.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have learned so much from my experience working with at-risk youth in several different settings, that much I can tell you. Its too complicating to discuss here, but I would love to talk to others about the resiliency in youth and their inspiring journey from the bottom to wherever it is they are going. In terms of what I want to learn, everything. I want to learn about traveling, what people know about other peoples, and what their encounters with diverse peoples have taught them. Through this I can learn second hand and first hand.

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