Bio

Where does one begin when asked who they are?

I guess we'll start with my name... which is Matt. I'm a San Diegian born and raised and grew up in the sunny / beach community suburb of Carlsbad, just 30 minutes outside of downtown SD. I'm the middle of two siblings, Dennis and Andrew, and definitely fall into the middle child personality. 

I'm as much of a mut nationality wise as they come but hey, my immune system is better for it - I have a degree to prove it. I consider myself a pretty laid back, good kid who enjoys living life with as little conflicts and with as much laughter as possible (I will make you laugh, so long as you appreciate sarcasm).

I will also be upfront that I'm prone to grammatical and spelling errors, so decipher to the best of your ability. 

Being a resident of Southern California, I've been conditioned to enjoy all outdoor activities pertaining to the beach and of course Mexican food - body surfing, beach volleyball, California burritos... so the prospect of potentially living in a land locked community is a foreign concept (and a bit terrifying), but I'm excited to trade it up for snow!

I'm a big fan of all things music and concerts as well as photography, media production, cooking, hiking, and of course traveling. 

I attended college at the California Polytechnic State University in literally the happiest place in America (even Oprah agrees), San Luis Obispo, and graduated in the Spring of 2010 with a degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Molecular and Cellular Biology. 

Yeah, I realize that degree doesn't scream Peace Corps volunteer to most but I say meet me before you judge - science can definitely be cool!

In school I was fortunate enough to be involved with a few great organizations that really shaped who I am and my drive to work in youth leadership / community development. 

Cue photos...

Week of Welcome - freshmen / transfer orientation program

Cal Poly Democrats

Carrotmob - business sustainability 

Flash forward nine months post graduation and you'll find me volunteering as a Youth Development volunteer in Ukraine, and couldn't be more excited!

Ukraine seems like a place of great historic significance with interesting people, culture, and food and I can't wait to learn, eat, speak, and soak up all it has to offer.

In theory this blog will be my main hub of documenting my Peace Corps experience / travels and hopefully internet accessibility will oblige with my request.  

Happy creeping

What the hell, one more of some good friends from home!