Hello! I'm Tessa, a 21yr old Physics student from Australia :) Some of my passions include language learning, hiking, spontaneous travel, bike rides in the rain, star gazing, and consuming foods from all cuisines. (My lifelong favourite food is Curry Laksa, and coming in at a close second would be Udon noodles!)

I have a cat named Stanley whom I worship and love with all my heart, as well as a dog named Sadie who has social anxiety around strangers and other dogs, and so we go for walks together in the national park where it is more isolated :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I know people who have used it and made so many life long connections and friendships with locals. I am very passionate in learning about new cultures and languages, as well as meeting new people from all walks of life, I find that everyone has a unique story to tell.

Interests

• cats
• cheese
• hiking
• ecology
• linguistics
• science fiction
• fantasy
• astrophysics
• writing short stories
• young adult fiction
• yes theory
• fungal biology

Music, Movies, and Books

My all-time favourite artist would have to be Passenger - many of his songs have provided comfort and inspiration to me over many years, and I recently got to see him live in my hometown which was an experience like no other.

I also enjoy listening to Lorde, Taylor Swift, Noah Kahan, Gregory Alan Isakov and Of Monsters and Men.

In terms of books, a childhood favourite is His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman, I fell in love with the main protangonist Lyra, who was around my age at the time, and admired her stubborness and loyalty to her friends, as well as her enduring bravery in the face of dark times. And her relationship with her daemon, or second half, Pantalaimon, was also special (heartwrenching at times) to read and watch it develop as they both grew.

I would also recommend A Brief History of Black Holes by Dr Becky Smethurst - she is the most amazing science communicator and her book is easy to follow for someone without a physics background, but also enjoyable to read for someone with prior physics knowledge because she delves into the history of these scientific discoveries and talks about the scientists, whilst weaving in her own life experiences and popular culture references.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Survived 2.5 years of a physics degree...hah

But in all seriousness, I don't think that there is one amazing thing that I have accomplished or experienced, but rather the small every day moments that make up life are what I consider to be amazing. Such as walking my dog, hanging out with my cat, or being on study calls with my friends until late at night. In terms of more concrete experiences which I cherish; looking up at the stars in a dark nature reserve, getting to view the Galilean Moons of Jupiter through a telescope for the first time, volunteering on a rural camp for a week to teach primary and highschool kids robotics, climbing Mt Lofty with my mum.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach some basic physics / astronomy knowledge, although I am far from an expert - the more I study, the more humbled I feel in terms of realising how much there is that I do not know. I would love to learn more about ecology and wildlife conservation, as I am planning on taking ecology classes at my university next year to form a second major. I can share with you my knowledge of English and Spanish! As well as recommend some books/tv shows for any interest / level.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can clean your home (given supplies such as vacuum, broom, mop, window cleaner, and surface cleaner + cloths), and I have had prior experience with one client cleaning their home fortnightly. I also currently work at a sushi / asian food stall in a local farmers market, and from this I have gained experience in management, customer service, food hygiene and safety, making and frying spring rolls, making bahn mi, and serving sushi. I also washed a loooot of dishes haha, so I am very efficient at that task! Finally, I have been a petsitter for 3 different cats (Missy Moo, Ezzie, and Teapot <3), as well as taking care of my own cat and dog. So I know how to give medications, groom, feed them nutritious and regular meals, and take them for walks. I am a huge cat lover in general, and so just getting to be in their presence would be amazing!

I don't stay out that late, I am more of a morning person, and so I won't be a disturbance to your daily routine. I also don't need much room, I'm perfectly fine with just a couch or sleeping bag arrangement - anything!

Countries I’ve Visited

Finland, Germany, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Scotland, Singapore, Sweden, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Norway