Hi there! I'm Nik! I'm a Psychiatry Resident at UCLA based in Los Angeles. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago (Naperville), Illinois and moved to the Bay Area in California when I was 11 years old. I've stayed in California since then, living in San Jose initially before moving to San Diego for undergrad at UCSD and then Los Angeles for medical school at UCLA.

I'm passionate about meeting new people and exploring the world and it's not uncommon for me to find a great flight deal and book an impromptu trip to explore somewhere I've never been.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I chose a career in Psychiatry because I'm fascinated by people and enjoy helping them when I can. That principle seems to be very in line with the ethos of CouchSurfing.

I enjoy learning about other perspectives from people of different locations, experiences and walks of life -- I strongly believe that everyone you meet can teach you something worthwhile.

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Just about everything - Pop, electronic, deep house, alternative rock, hip hop. Lately I've been listening to a lot of instrumentals like classic video game music and the soundtracks from my favorite movies

Movies: Anything by Christopher Nolan or Judd Apatow. Love a good action flick like Die Hard, but I'm also down with clever Rom-Coms like Love Actually.

Books: Growing up my favorite book was The Phantom Tollbooth. Lately I've been reading a lot of non-fiction and psychology/philosophy books for work and general interest.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Founded a non-profit organization that sends student volunteers and funding to a leprosy colony in rural India

http://dailybruin.com/2014/01/29/ucla-medical-student-project-rishi-treats-leprosy-patients-in-india/

Teach, Learn, Share

I went to UCSD for undergrad and double majored in Biology and Philosophy

I love talking about the mind-body interface and I'm particularly fascinated by attempts to define consciousness.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm an excellent listener, and I'm good at helping people work through their problems in a constructive manner.

I have a ton of stories and I'm always looking for a good time out exploring the town.

I'm not the world's best cook but I'm always down to contribute by cooking a few meals or by taking the hosts out to dinner while I'm staying.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States