Hi there! My name is Tommy and I'm from New York in the United States. Most of all, I am a traveler, musician, and dreamer.

I’m a 23 year-old who recently graduated from Cornell University, studying biology and music, although I have studied everything from mathematics to culture and history – I want to learn absolutely everything and anything!

I am currently traveling through Malaysia and have two major goals: (1) I want to learn Bahasa Malaysia and get comfortable with the language, and (2) I want to learn about the various spiritual practices and beliefs where I travel. I am forever a student of life and want to understand the various beliefs in the world and train in them to find my path and understand as much about the world as I can.

Songwriting is my passion, and I also love sports, poetry, photography, hiking, fishing, and most everything else! My newest hobby is acting, which I am quickly falling in love with. Anyways, my desire to learn and explore new adventures and activities has led to travel and participation in many new things throughout my life. I have been fortunate enough to ski in Canada and the western United States, play baseball in the Dominican Republic, live in the United Kingdom for two years, travel around Europe, and work with a team providing heart surgery for children in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

What's next? I don't know, but I'm excited to find out!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Through my past experiences, I have discovered that the most exciting moments in life for me are those that take me out of my comfort zone, teach me new skills, allow me to experience new history and culture, and form new relationships. On my trip to Guayaquil, Ecuador, I met a doctor from Sweden and formed a great friendship with her. Two years later, I had the opportunity to visit her in Sweden this week June! It is relationships like these that have made it possible for me to continue adding adventure into my life. I am so thankful for the friendships that I have formed, which is why I am on Couchsurfing. I am excited to share my stories with new friends, all the while learning more about the world and myself in the process!

Interests

I have found interest in almost everything I have tried. I have always been involved with sports (baseball, American football, basketball, skiing, etc.) and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

My academic (and personal) interests fall on both ends of the spectrum: the sciences, such as biology and math, to music, art, and history. The sciences give me a true appreciation of nature and the world around us, while music, art, and history give me appreciation of people and the amazing things we can accomplish.

I want to learn everything I can, so whether it be to dance, live like a local (wherever I am), or learn a new religion, I am ready for the challenge! I want to get the most out of life and take in everything the world has to offer - I don't want to miss out on any opportunity to learn more about the world and myself!

• arts
• culture
• poetry
• photography
• music
• live music
• fishing
• hiking
• backpacking
• kayaking
• camping
• skiing
• sports
• biology
• history
• religion
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

I am a singer-songwriter who loves country music. I have also been shaped by folk rock and classic rock. Some of my favorite bands are Kodaline, Mumford and Sons, and Bastille!

As for movies, I can watch most anything, but my heart will always remain with Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Besides these, I enjoy a good superhero movie, sci fi, or rom com (depending on my mood).

Books are interesting for me - I will read one book on ancient Greek philosphy (Aristotle), and then dive into a science fiction novel. Anything is fine with me!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the most amazing experiences I have ever had was in Guayaquil, Ecuador (mentioned above) on a mission trip. I joined a group of doctors and hospital staff to provide free heart surgeries to children who couldn't otherwise afford it. I was able to work firsthand with the doctors to aid during each step of the process, and also work with family members pre- and post-surgery. I met many incredible people during the trip, got out of my comfort zone, and helped people in need. I learned so much about the genuine, friendly nature of the people in Guayaquil, and it opened my eyes to a different world from that where I grew up. This experience has motivated me to continue traveling the world, learning more about each place and the people there, and help out whenever I can!

Teach, Learn, Share

Being from the United States and studying both music and biology, I would love to share my knowledge of science, music, songwriting, and growing up in America.

I am eager to learn the basics of various languages and cultures throughout the world. I would like nothing more than to learn about life in different countries and the various traditions of each area.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to share my music with everyone I meet - it is one of the most fulfilling things to play music for others because it transcends all language and communication barriers. It is the easiest way for me to show you who I am and how I want to live my life, because the music I write is truthful to my life!

On top of this, I have interests in the art, biology (among other sciences), theater, history, culture, and anything else having to do with people. I love to share stories about myself and where I come from, and would love nothing more to hear your stories in return.

As always, I will do any tasks you need help on during my stay. I can do every daily household task, outdoor/gardening task, and much, much more. I am so thankful to have any opportunity to meet new friends, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to be welcome!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, United Kingdom, United States