Profile information
Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
Cape Town, South Africa - from Oct 2025 until Dec 2025 View all
Description
Hi! My name is Sophia and I'm a hardworking, adventurous young woman. I'm currently traveling the world for a year conducting informal, conversation-based research around mental health in different cultures. I'm specifically focused on suicide (which I know is a rather dark topic)--looking at why people feel this way, how to prevent deaths, what role personal autonomy plays, societal stigma, and how to foster resilience through community, healthcare practices, and institutional initiatives. However, the necessary flipside of my topic is that I am also very focused on studying happiness and the will to live. I love hearing and experiencing what brings people joy! This research is guiding my travels. I have a particular interest in learning about how traditions and culture contribute to resilience and happiness.
Traveling and exploring is something that brings me great joy. I love spending time in nature and am an avid hiker, backpacker, mountaineer, alpine-lake-swimmer, and star gazer. I also really enjoy getting to connect with people and have meaningful conversations, form new friendships, and have fun together. I'm always up for a walk, a game of cards, sharing a meal, or sitting in companionable silence while reading, knitting, or just taking in the scenery. I also love animals and have a dog at home who I dearly miss. An older sister, I am definitely a nurturer and a big family person.
I'm excited to be on Workaway as an opportunity to get to connect with people, make friends, and meet families! Traveling can often be incredibly fast-paced and lonely so I think it will be lovely to settle down for periods of time. I also am very interested in learning more about the cultures of everywhere I visit and truly trying to experience what it's like to live there, as opposed to be a tourist.
I am a hard worker, although I don't have very many technical skills (e.g. carpentry). I do have experience with childcare and looking after animals, and also trail maintenance and weeding. I'm very fit (as I hike and run often) and a fast learner. I bake a lot and have been expanding my knowledge of how to cook--I'm always happy to help in the kitchen! In general, I'm good around the house: cleaning, organizing, etc...I enjoy talking with people and have extensive experience with customer service, having been a barista for five years. I studied Biology and literature in school, and am certified as a Wilderness First Responder so I know some basic emergency medicine.
Interests
Videography
Pets
Culture
Photography
Music
Plant care
Writing
Drawing & painting
Astronomy
Animals
Blogging
Cooking & food
Gardening
Languages
DIY & crafts
Books
Art & design
Yoga / Wellness
Camping
Nature
Team sports
Cycling
Hiking
Outdoor activities
Water sports
Winter sports
Beach
Mountain
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Portuguese: Intermediate
Spanish: BeginnerMore details about my language interests
I have a Brazilian mother and German father, and immigrated to the United States when I was 5, where I learned English. I am very interested in languages and understand well the highs and lows of learning to speak a new one. I have some experience teaching English (from a summer volunteer position) and would love to practice any of the languages I speak with someone. I took French for 7 years so have a framework to reference in regards to teaching language.
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Charity Work
Eco Projects
Gardening
Life at a Farmstay
Some knowledge of:
Art Projects
Being an elderly companion
Teaching
Animal Care
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
House sitting
Able to teach about:
Languages
More details about your skills
Outdoor guide:
- I was an outdoor adventure guide for my university for 2.5 years, leading students on single and multi-day canoe, hiking, and backpacking trips
- I can read maps, assess weather, and navigate difficult terrain
- I am wilderness first responder certified and can lend assistance if there are emergencies on trail.
- I am very outdoorsy, going backpacking for 5+ days at a time, trekking through high alpine environments, respecting leave no trace principles, and always working on my endurance
Childcare:
- As a teenager, I completed a babysitting course at a local hospital (including CPR certifcation)
- I worked as a nanny for two summers while I was in highschool and have offered childcare for friends and neighbors for 8+ years
- I also grew up helping to take care of my brother, who is on the Autism spectrum
Animal care:
- I have a family dog at home who I am very actively involved in grooming, walking, feeding, training, playing, and cuddling
- My family has done in-home dog boarding and dog walking since I was a child so I also have extensive experience in caring for other people's dogs. I have administered medication into dogs' mouths, ears, and eyes. I have walked up to 5 dogs at once, cleaned up countless messes, and helped keep a dog safe during a seizure.
Customer and food service:
- I was a barista for 5+ years so I am very knowledgeable in customer service
- I can greet customers warmly, go above and beyond to meet their needs, stay level-headed through frustrating interactions, and ensure customers have a satisfactory experience
- I also worked in a school dining hall for two years, serving food and washing dishes.
- From these jobs, I have extensive experience with food service. I know how to safely handle ingredients, make a variety of tea and coffee beverages, can spend hours on my feet doing cleaning, and can work successfully as part of a team
Art:
- I enjoy drawing and painting and took art classes from the time I was 5 until 18. I would love to help with a painting project!
- I also have some beginner experience in pottery.
Technology:
- I have no professional experience but am very competent with phones, computers, and the internet. I know a little about social media (my roommate does this work professionally).
Other skills:
- I am an excellent reader and writer
Age
22
What else ...
Important:
- I have citizenship in both the USA and Germany, so I do not need a visa for the EU
- I have a driver's license but am not a very confident driver (very out of practice), and can only drive automatic
Other hobbies:
- I am learning how to knit and crochet!
- I am an avid photographer and always travel with my camera
- I know a multitude of card games and am always happy to learn more
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Special dietary requirements
