I am currently staying and going to school in Santa Cruz, CA. This is a place where wildlife is all around you at all time and you can find seclusion easier than most places along the coastline. Traveling is one of my many passions and the best way to really reconnect with yourself. I was a volunteer zoo keeper at a non-profit that explained how we worked and supported exotic/ endangered cats all around the world. Going through life, I realized at a very young age what I wanted to do with my life and how I was going to help "be the change I wish to see." Having loved animals from practically birth, I decided that was what I wanted to give my life to. So here I am continuing to be blessed and amazed by all the encounters I have had with wildlife and domestic animals. We are all apart of this world and who are we to say that one life is worth more to care about than another.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am here to learn about life and meet similar minded people that love this planet as well. :)

Interests

Most of my life has involved being outdoors. Growing up in a family with a father that loved teaching his children how peaceful nature was and how it could heal your soul, was something I will always be grateful for. I came to grips that I was not meant for the average American dream life, I think I relate more to the Aussie life haha. I have had "itchy feet" since I moved with my family across the country. Driving to all the different state and national parks and seeing the beauty of the world that we live in. Now it is my turn to make new memories and experience this amazing place by doing the things I love.

• animals
• wildlife
• arts
• architecture
• photography
• documentaries
• music festivals
• festivals
• mardi gras
• film festivals
• animal welfare
• humanitarian relief
• human rights
• news
• traveling
• animal care
• socializing
• music
• live music
• classical music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• cave diving
• snowboarding
• rock climbing
• soccer
• water polo
• swimming
• cultural studies
• study
• study abroad
• volunteering
• solo travel
• adventure travel
• cultural immersion
• budget travel
• mountains
• world
• nature
• life
• wilderness
• community living
• waterfalls
• national parks
• biking
• ocean
• swimming holes
• exploring
• people watching
• healthy living
• new cultures
• animal rights
• indie rock
• horse back riding
• sharing stories
• conservation
• state parks
• hot springs
• positive thinking
• graphics
• post-rock
• sustainable living
• nature walks
• wild animals
• nature conservation
• dirt biking
• grindcore
• wildlife conservation
• backcountry
• stones
• exotic animals
• wildlife watching
• third world countries
• steve erwin
• amur leoppards
• snow leopards
• endangered animals
• wildlife sanctuaries
• jaguars
• mountain lions

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

When I was 15 and 16, I was able to raise enough money to travel to Swaziland and South Africa twice and volunteer with a non-profit organization that was dedicated to helping HIV/AIDs victims in the country. I worked with native volunteers that opened not only their hearts, but their wallets and homesteads to help their fellow neighbors that were unable to get the proper care they needed. On these trips to southern Africa I was able to apart of a team that donated and assembled 250 wheelchairs for victims in need. I don't see this as something I did but as something I will forever be grateful that I was able to be apart of. Being able to travel to a 3rd world country from the US at such a young age and seeing the hurt, love and strength these people had was something I will never forget and will continue to carry for the rest of my life. Hoping to share that same kind of love with people and animals all over the world.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a very hard worker and would be honored to help with anything I can around the home.
I have experience in cleaning, serving, gardening, horse handling, farm animals, babysitting, story telling. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Mexico, South Africa, Swaziland