Hi! I am originally from Durham, NC but have been living in Boone NC for the past 4.5 years getting my education. I am currently a Graduate Student studying Exercise Physiology. After I get my Masters, I hope to join to the Peace Corps and become a volunteer in the health sector. My end goal is to become a Physician Assistant. Unfortunately when I was young I lost my best friend to Cancer at the age of 16. We grew up dancing at our local studio and eventually joined competitive Dance teams to travel around to country to compete and take class from some of the best in the business. We took class from choreographers from So You Think You Can Dance like Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, Travis Wall, also Broadway choreographers and Choreographers from companies like, Alvin Ailey, Pilobolus and many others. We were working our way to the top, when she suddenly was diagnosed. Within two years she passed way. Since I experience this at a young age I began to struggle with Mental Health, specifically an ED for about 4 years. Dance was never the same for me and didn’t really help with my progressing ED. When I was 20 I checked myself into my Universities Rehabilitation program for ED, it was probably one of the best things I could have down for myself. It has been a little over two years now in recovery. Since then I decided to minor in Dance along with my major in Exercise Science. I wanted to mend my relationship with dance, and turn a negative into a positive. Through the Dance department I found my passions for Somatic Practice’s like Yoga, Pilates, meditation, Authentic Movement and I began to go back to painting/drawing which is something that always helps me quiet my mind. After Caroline passed away, I gained a deep ambition to join the health field to help and heal others in any way I can. Recently, I have decided to apply to the Peace Corps to better educate myself about the growing public health problems that individuals experience outside of our country. I believe this will help make me a better global citizen and understand others struggles so I can help other in the future as a Physician Assistant. The journey will be long and hard but things that are worth it always are!

Since living in Boone I have been able to explore more hobbies like climbing, back packing, hiking, snowboarding, skiing, and in general finding peace and solitude in the mountains. I am working to get trained in techniques for Mountaineering, I hope/dream to go climb big mountains all over the world. If you have any pointers or suggestions please let me know! Since being in college I have been table to travel different countries and experience cultures other than my own. In Nicaragua, I worked at a coffee farm in the mountains while also helping transform the common areas into a summer camp for youth. In 2013, I went to Haiti to help aid in reconstruction of buildings in Port-Au-Prince and villages outside of the city after their horrible earth quake. After my freshman year of college I went to Spain and Italy. I got to explore Madrid, Florence, and the 5 villages of Cirque Terre. The following year I was able to travel to England and experience the beautiful city of London. Once I started assisting my Professors/mentors with research in the obese pediatric population in Boone and studies analyzing the type of sleep cycle that restores the body, I was able to go to Italy with them to present their findings. Once the stressful part of the trip was over, we explored Rome, Pisa, and many of the cities in Tuscany. The win and history was amazing!

Some other general things about me is that I am a very outgoing person but discover times of being introverted to be very restorative. I find lot of meaning in the intentional relationship you cultivate with others. I believe there is always something that you can learn from someone and their experience that can help you grow as a person. I believe that you never stop growing as a person when experiencing life. My friends say that my spirit animal is a wolf, which I can draw similarities too. Like a wolf I display qualities of loyalty, balance, protection, energy, and intelligent with an appetite for freedom. If you would like to learn more and share your story with me feel free to send me a message!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am couch surfing because I really enjoy meeting and developing a lasting connection with people. The memories you have from traveling aren't just about the places you go, but the people you meet along the way. Some of my favorite memories are from the adventures I experienced with strangers that later turned into family. I also think that in the current political climate and conflicts circulating our world it is more important than ever to develop a sense of community that crosses boarders. Learning about someone else’s story no matter how different they are from you is what conquers ignorance and perpetuates a sense of unity.

Interests

• photography
• film festivals
• dancing
• coffee
• pilates
• traveling
• hiking
• mountaineering
• snowshoeing
• volunteering
• adventure
• film photography
• health
• outdoors
• italy
• comedy
• london
• spain
• healthy lifestyle
• research
• painting and drawing
• craftbeer
• nicaragua
• somatics
• academia
• wine drinking
• climbing mountains
• haiti
• peace corps

Music, Movies, and Books

GAME OF THRONES
Great British Baking Show
Into thin air
Eat pray love
Milk and Honey
Medical testimonial books
Fight club
Pink Floyd
Beatles
Ed Sheeran
Vance Joy
Mac Miller
Bob Marley
Vulfpeck
Eric Clapton
John Mayer
Kaytranada

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I did recently Graduated with my bachelors in Clinical Exercise Science, which was a huge accomplishment for me. When I was young I was diagnosed with Dyslexia, and school was a struggle for me growing up, not only within the classroom but when thinking about the future. In middle and high school I was told that College wasn’t really an option for me. Some believed I wouldn’t succeed in higher education. Luckily my family didn’t believe that. I graduated in December 2018 with honors and an acceptance letter to start graduate school in the spring (January). Shout out to all my Haters! Lol

Teach, Learn, Share

I can share my home and community with my guests. I would love to learn about my guest's experience and history. I can teach hospitality and kindness.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share my time, stories/experiences, meals, laughter, and gratitude to my hosts.

Countries I’ve Visited

England, Haiti, Italy, Nicaragua, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States