Helen

Informações de viagem

Eu estou

Atividades em que tenho interesse:

Looking to gain some new skills, hone existing ones, and connect with hosts and other workawayers in a genuine way (cultural exchange)

Descrição

Hello! My name is Helen. I am a lifelong swimmer, science-meets-art biomedical illustrator, and wide-eyed voyager in this adventure called life.

I was born and raised in the San Francisco bay area in California, and lived for a few years in Providence, RI and Baltimore, MD where I attended college and graduate school respectively. My 4 month study-abroad experience in Brisbane, Australia first opened my eyes to my love for traveling and immersing in cultures different than my own. Realizing the sheer scope of the world and the various ways of life that are possible elicited in me feelings of spaciousness and joy.

Since then, I have visited a handful of other countries, including Croatia, Germany, Spain, and Madagascar- usually gravitating toward swimmable bodies of water and with the intention of learning about the local culture and connecting with new people in a genuine way. In 2022, I spent a total of 4 months workawaying in Hawai'i, where I met some wonderful people and enjoyed the ocean as a permanent fixture on the horizon.

I feel most alive and in tune with myself when I am outside and in motion. Swimming is a core component of my identity and essential to my happiness. I started at age 4 and never stopped— I’ll swim in pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, rock pools, cold or warm… The water is a sacred space for me, shaped me into who I am, allows me to get in touch with myself.

I love trees and flowers and sunshine and dirt, and most especially the ocean. Oftentimes, the beauty of natural scenery (especially the ocean) moves me to tears- I can’t believe it’s real and I am bearing witness to it, sharing the same blip in spacetime! Because nature stirs me so deeply, I am extremely interested in learning firsthand how to live more sustainably and in harmony with the earth. I am hoping to come away with new skills and knowledge in this regard from my workaway hosts.

Additionally, I try to experience and embrace the culture and lifestyle of my host and local community. I am drawn to connect with people where there is an exchange of authenticity, vulnerability, and kindness. And I find it extremely rewarding to contribute in some way within a community. Besides swimming, I also love animals (especially large dogs), running, painting, writing, reading, and singing.

This has been an experimental, transitional year for me. I quit my job in January 2022 because I realized it didn’t align with my values or needs at this time. It can be difficult to leave behind something unsatisfactory but familiar to face the unknown. My focus this year for myself is to re-examine sources of fear and anxiety, get curious about them, and discover more of what is possible with regard to career and lifestyle. I have found a summer groove in teaching private swim lessons, dog walking/running, working as an organic landscape maintenance laborer, and freelance illustration. I am currently interested in expanding my science communication skillset to include scientific writing.

Thank you for reading and I hope we can get in touch!

Interesses

Idiomas

Idiomas
Inglês: Fluente
Chinês (mandarim): Intermediário
Espanhol: Iniciante
Hawaiian: Iniciante

Mais detalhes sobre meu interesse em idiomas
Fluent in English, proficient in Mandarin, basic Spanish, tiny bit of French

Encontre um parceiro de estudo

Habilidades e conhecimento para compartilhar ou aprender

Tenho interesse em:  

Cuidar de animais

Projetos ambientais

Idiomas

Vida na fazenda

Cuidar de crianças/atividades criativas

Manutenção geral

Ajuda com computadores/internet

Fazer companhia para idosos

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Conhecimento de:  

Ensino

Ajuda a cuidar da casa

Jardinagem

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Poso ensinar:  

Projetos artísticos

Quais são suas habilidades?

Biomedical illustration and science communication
Website: helentangbioviz.com

I have a masters degree in biological and medical illustration- I have strong research skills and the ability to transmit complex information in a digestible way using visual media. I can draw, paint, animate, write, and present. I am proficient with illustration software- Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as 3D modeling software- Maya and C4D.

I have a bachelor’s degree in biology and worked in biotech using laboratory techniques in molecular biology (vector cloning, PCR, yeast culturing, etc.) I learn scientific concepts quickly and have strong critical-thinking and analytical skills.

I love teaching! I have some tutoring experience (drawing, statistics, English), and I find teaching engaging and rewarding. I have been and am currently a swim instructor for children ages 4-15.

I have some experience gardening (mulching, laying compost, planting, trimming back, basic irrigation, foliar spraying, fertilizing). Currently work one 10 hour shift/ week

I am very comfortable around animals, and really enjoy interacting with them. I am especially in tune with dogs, and have walked many dogs this summer. I have owned a dog and a cockatiel before, including aspects of training and caretaking. (My family currently owns 4 laying hens.) I groomed horses/ mucked stalls back in horse camp (albeit two decades ago :) ).

I have volunteered as a lunch server for seniors and recreation assistant for special needs individuals.

I cook vegetarian dishes, mainly for myself but sometimes family and friends.

I can stand for very long periods of time, I am physically fit and fairly strong, and can perform tasks that require lifting heavy objects, stooping, etc.

I am OWS scuba and Freediving certified and passed fish id and count tests requiring memorization of 200 species found in the Mozambique channel.

I am curious and investigative, enjoy teamwork, and learn quickly!

Idade

28

Algo mais...

I love swimming, and it is a vital part of my lifestyle
I love animals, especially dogs
I recently tried ceramics and loved it
I'm currently learning how to knit
I love the book East of Eden and plan to reread it every 5 years
I'm curious about spirituality outside of the context of religion
I memorized all AKC registered dog breeds from 2010 and earlier

Mais algumas informações

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  Fumante

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  Carteira de motorista

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  Alergias
  cats

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  Dietas especiais
  Functionally vegetarian (I don't mind eating meat in social contexts, but usually choose not to)