CURRENT MISSION

My friend Matt Hanson and I are about to embark on an epic journey throughout Europe. We're looking to see and do new things, and both grow a little bit because of it. We plan on staying abroad for around 2 months and seeing as much as possible.

ABOUT ME

Wow, what a question. My number 1 policy in life is to be nice. My number 2 policy is to be adaptive or flexible, whichever works best. You can't be unwilling to change or work with others.

I just graduated from college. It was the best four years of my life, no question. I learned a lot and grew a great deal as a person. However, unlike many of my peers, I never went abroad or had an intercultural experience (though I have traveled throughout the United States). This is probably my biggest regret of my undergraduate studies.

So, instead of boxing myself into a steady job and firm routine, I believe my education must continue. The first step in this process is to go out and see the world first hand. Couch surfing will make this easier and more fulfilling, I believe. So, here's to learning, living, and making new friends!

PHILOSOPHY

I want to learn something new, everyday, for the rest of my life. I am my own harshest critic, and I try to improve myself in every which way I can.

I love my friends and those who have been good to me over the years. As my first favorite author, Kurt Vonnegut, once said: "A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved." I think that is a good way to look at things.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I donate when I can, I do what I can, and am willing to try new things, meet new people, and put my faith in others.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I am new!

Interests

Reading, writing, current events, politics, economics, sustainability, conservation, sports, being outside, seeing new places, meeting new people.

• writing
• education
• cooking
• gardening
• politics
• reading
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• camping
• surfing
• sports
• boxing
• economics
• teaching
• history
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I've gotten really into American folk music lately. Old Crow Medicine Show, Alison Krauss, Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons (Not American, I know), etc. Also a big fan of classic rock and hip/hop and R&B.

Movies: Anything by the Coen Brothers--Big Lebowski a favorite. Wes Anderson films are always enjoyable--favorite of his is Rushmore. I also really enjoy a good documentary. Favorites are either The Cove or Bowling for Columbine; they have had the most influence on my thinking over the years. I would compile a complete list them, but there are so so many movies out there that I enjoy.

Books: Whoa, boy. The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. The Brothers Karamazov. Slaughterhouse-Five. A Confederacy of Dunces. The Corrections. Many more

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent a week in the mountains of New Mexico rebuilding hiking trails. Camped at 8000 feet and hiked up a small mountain, where we built several hiking trails. It was a great accomplishment.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can cook pretty well for a young guy, I know lots about American history and politics (that's what I got my degree in). I also have been camping and know my way around the outdoors. Also, I'm about to spend two weeks on an organic farm, so I should be improving my gardening/landscaping skills.

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