Laura

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I love going on adventures and exploring the world around me. Born and raised in Minnesota, I have traveled abroad a couple times in college to Italy, Germany, and Austria, and am excited to experience more of the world and of God's beautiful creation!

In college, I traveled quite a bit with The Concordia Choir both domestically and internationally, and during our tours we stayed in many people's homes all over the US. Those experiences, as well as other experiences I've had touring with choirs, taught me how to get to know people from different backgrounds and regions, and helped foster a trust in the common goodwill of humanity and our desire to care for and serve one another. I hope to build more of these kinds of relationships and experiences traveling through WorkAway!

Interests

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Italian: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I took several years of Spanish in middle school and high school. My skills are pretty rusty, but I know a basic vocabulary and can understand the gist of what people are saying. I took two semesters of Italian in college and spent a month in Italy during that time. Like Spanish, those skills are also pretty rusty, but I have learned a basic vocabulary. I think it would be fun and rewarding to teach English, although I have never done so before. I would be interested in learning more Spanish or Italian.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Eco Projects

Babysitting and creative play

Being an elderly companion

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Some knowledge of:  

Charity Work

Art Projects

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Animal Care

Life at a Farmstay

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Languages

Helping around the house

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Able to teach about:  

Teaching

More details about your skills

I'm a professor of mathematics at a small liberal arts college. I really enjoy teaching and problem-solving, and I've tutored students for several years now. I also love music and have been in choirs since the age of 9; I minored in music in college, and currently sing for multiple church choirs and a choir at the University of Notre Dame.

As far as practical skills go, I consider myself a very practical, hands-on person - I love building things, making things with my hands, and learning how to do fix-it things myself. My dad is very much Mr. Fix-It, and I've always gone to him if I need a creative solution to a problem. Some of my most recent projects were painting my room (from dark navy blue to a light lilac purple!), remedying a sink leaking issue (no plumbing was involved! I'm not quite that talented 😅), and making pottery bowls at the wheel. My parents both grew up on small farms in big families, and they raised my sister and I to be thrifty and frugal, skills which I apply to my life every day.

Age

26

What else ...

- I taught myself calligraphy and hand lettering in college, and have been doing it as a hobby for about 5 years. I love making cards for people and using it as a simple gift or thoughtful thank-you note when I stay at a friend's house.
- I am Catholic and very involved in my faith. I sing for two church choirs, host a young adult women's Bible study at my house once a week, and do many other things related to my Catholic faith. I try to live it out as an integral part of my life.
- I love reading when I get the chance to! One series I'm reading through now is Anne of Green Gables, the scene-painting is done so well, and has made me want to visit PEI one day!
- I enjoy spending time out in nature, especially going on walks, hiking, and bicycling in the summer. I just bought a SUP and am excited to try it out this summer!
- I was born and raised in Minnesota, at the crossroads of rural and metro areas, so I have experience living in both kinds of environments. My parents were both raised on farms in Minnesota, so I know the work ethic and reward that comes from working with your hands. I did work in the fields in the summers during high school, and would much rather be working outside or with my hands in the summer while the sun is shining. ☀️

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies

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  Special dietary requirements