Sonic Dlamini

Swaziland

What has been your favorite class at COA? Why?

E-marketing. I have a practical experience, as the class is based on doing a project, rather than memorizing theories. Not only do we gain an experience in using social media tools, but we gain practical skills in project management and team experience, empowering us to work better with other people. It really feels like I'm in the professional field already!

What classes have you taken at COA?

I have taken a wide variety of classes, but mostly oriented towards business and economics:

Microeconomics for Business and Policy

Econometrics

Organic chemistry II

Calculus III

Intro to Guitar

Development Economics — case study based

Social Movement Strategies

eMarketing

Architecture Studio

Differential Equations — models

Literature, Science and Spirituality

Probability and Statistics

In addition, I have taken business classes at the University of Maine, Orono:

Information Systems and Technology for Business

The Principles of Organization and Management

Strategic Management

Linear Algebra

Production and Operation Management

What was your favorite lesson/lecture/discussion/project at COA? Why?

All the classes have been quite interesting, but if I had to make a choice, then I'd go for eMarketing. I think I learned a lot in this class, from the lectures, discussions and speeches by people already in the field. I also like the fact that it takes the ethos of practical work.

What is your dream occupation?

I hope to become a business manager, but I have a keen interest in real estate business.

Do you work on or off campus? If yes, where?

Yes, I work as an assistant in admissions as part of my work study.

What do you see yourself doing after COA?

I envisage myself working in the business and development field, and even doing an MBA in

green business and social responsibility.

What is happiness to you?

Its all about being the best I can be, but that varies from situation to situation.

Have you had an internship? If so, doing what? Where? If not, what are your plans, if any, for your internship?

I have an internship in Swaziland, where I will be working as a fund development intern for SOS Children's Villages during the summer of 2009. I really look forward to doing it!

What are your ideas for your senior project? If you have already done one, what did you do?

I'm currently working on a fiction novel, where I'm trying to use literature as tool for change. My novel is based on economics and politics. I personally think that people resist change not because they don't want to change, but because they don't have anything to change for — perhaps due to lack of understanding of what change (if they did change) would mean in their lives.

What do you like to do when you're not doing school work?

I read & write poetry, watch movies, and of course go running!

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

The chicken because the egg would not hatch into a chick if there was no chicken (at least in the natural world)!

Why did you choose to come to COA?

Several reasons — financial aid package, location and size.

What do you like to study?

Business/ economics related stuff

What do people say is your most marked characteristic?

I'm charismatic

Do you have anything cool or unique you would like to share?

The longest I've run non-stop is 56 miles!