Hi, I am Brian from New Zealand. I just finished high school and I'm looking forward to travel while I wait for university to start.

I love problem-solving. I competed internationally in math, and organised various charities and events.

I love adventures. I have been on numerous hikes (even got lost in one because I was stupid 🤡), and when that's not possible I have found running and books to be great substitutes. Currently getting my scuba diving license.

Can't host because I don't have my own house yet, sorry :(

FUTURE PLANS
I want to figure out what to do with life. I mean, I love math, computer science, working with others, and making the world a better place, but these things are quite broad. Besides, what is the meaning of life anyways? I think getting to know the world's problems, solutions, people and cultures better will help me answer these questions.

SHOWER THOUGHTS
I think most people, myself included, hold onto their beliefs and identities too tightly. Things we claim to be absolutely certain don't actually happen all the time. Even the weakest supporting arguments affirm our views, but only the strongest opposing evidence can change our minds. And when we change our minds, we feel invalidated, despite just improving our model of the world. I would like to change this by adopting a rationalist mindest, and interacting with people holding different views.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Making cool friends and getting to know the world better.

Interests

• education
• environment
• running
• reading
• hiking
• mathematics
• philosophy
• programming
• robotics
• artificial intelligence

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
Wildest Dreams, Taylor Swift
We Are Young, fun.
Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Green Day

Books:
Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood
The Scout Mindset, Julia Galef
Algorithms to Live By, Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Won a fashion award by wearing a maid outfit at school.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach:
Anything STEM! I was top in New Zealand in various math and science competitions 🤓

Learn:
Your language, culture, and perspective of the world
Any skills that you find cool e.g. cooking, juggling, pottery

What I Can Share with Hosts

Chat about life, science, big-if-true ideas, hot takes, or whatever you happen to be interested in.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Czech Republic, Japan, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, New Zealand