Élan and her twin sister, surrounded by authorities and about to be deported from their first country. They started young.

Élan is one crazy gal! She enjoys traveling the world, experiencing new cultures and ways of life, and she revels in the adventure travel brings. She is almost completely German but American-born. She speaks French fluently (or at least did last year!) and is currently studying international journalism/communications and political science and the University of Oregon.

Élan had lived in France two times and loves French culture and wine! She is an avid adventure seeker who loves fine cuisine. She loves wine and was spoiled while living in Bordeaux, enveloped by the vineyards and chateaus that surrounded her and the delicious wines that enticed her. Her motto in life is: Life is too short to drink bad wine!

Élan is the Assistant General Manager at the University of Oregon's radio station. She also is a reporter/correspondent for the station, where she produces newscasts and feature stories for the station. She loves photography and is currently shooting campus events and documentary footage. Élan is very passionate about her work and enjoys every aspect of production. She has a wide-array of experience producing, directing, shooting, and on-air talent, and is always in search of a challenge and revels in new experiences and opportunities.

Meeting new people and making friends had Élan traveling through and living in France not just once but twice.

Élan craves the outdoors and loves extreme sports. Her favorites include rock-climbing, mountain biking, running, crew, soccer, and surfing – but only in warm ocean waters (she's spoiled!). She recently returned from her European adventures packing around various countries, and just a few weeks ago had to tear herself away from the temptations of the Caribbean islands.

Élan has a big family, including an identical twin sister that was born on February 29th, Leap Year! An older sister is married, lives in San Francisco and is pregnant with her first baby, yahoo! Élan has two younger brothers who she adores: Brenton, 14, and Logan, 12. She still thinks they're her baby dolls. Mama and Dada are loved and a gift in her life.

A Mardi Gras in Portland, OR trembles as these two prepare to hit the town...

Élan is striving to gain experience as a writer and reporter to work as an international correspondent or documentary producer in the future. She likes the rain but loves the warmth of the sun on her face. She dreams of living in Australia someday with the ability to surf freely and have a shrimp on the barbie with her mates. She is planning her next wildlife safari to Africa this coming year. She is always open and in search for a good time and new adventure. She believes in living simply.

Quote to live by: "Dance like no ones watching, love like you've never been hurt and live like it is your final day!"

Élan does crazy stuff for the "Your Town" Travel Guide, which you can read here. Also feel free to email her at elan@BootsnAll.com.