Every time I try to describe myself I run into the same problem: I don’t know what I’m like. I know what I think about myself. But does that count? I mean, if I’m the only one who thinks I’m funny, is that a quality I can say that I have? Probably not. So, with that in mind, here’s my description:

According to various career tests, my primary motivating factors are knowledge and helping others, and I like to think that that’s true. I am a junior political science major from Seattle, WA, and am very much a product of the Pacific Northwest. I love hiking, skiing, and reading for pleasure but not for class. I am a huge foodie, but that does not mean I’m snobby about food or really know anything about it. I just love to eat. As a child, I wanted to win an Olympic medal, a World Series, a Nobel Peace Prize, and an Oscar. Now I want none of these. I just want to have a good time and learn as much as possible in the process.

That’s me as I see it. I didn’t describe my personality because I cannot claim to understand it. I guess that’s one thing I want to get out of studying abroad. Being by myself in a different culture, I hope to observe both the world around me and, in a sense, myself, my reactions and interactions and emotions, so that next time I have to write a bio I have a lot more to say.