Nongcebo Nsingwane '28
Name: Nogcebo "Nono" Nsingwane '28
Hometown: Manzini, Eswatini
UWC School: UWC Red Cross Nordic in Flekke, Norway
Majors: Business Economics, Business Finance, and Global Studies (Development Studies concentration)
Tell us about yourself.
I’m into cooking and baking; I actually find that therapeutic. Before Concordia, I used to do visual arts, but recently I haven't had time to polish that hobby.
Tell me about your application to Concordia and your journey to becoming a Cobber.
I completed my application and Concordia was in my top two. It had my desired area of study, which many schools don't offer, Development Studies. In my research, I found that Concordia is a small school and I liked that because I wanted a close-knit community with smaller classes. When my first choice rejected me, I knew Concordia was my home.
How was your experience at International Student Orientation in the fall?
I really liked it. I got to meet and bond with the international students who were so eager to meet and learn about new cultures. Most of them were UWC students, so we had lots in common. All my friends right now are people I met during the International Student Orientation.
What have your classes been like so far?
My classes have been good. Exposure to the liberal arts system is fabulous. I took a communication class and a writing class, which will help me with communication and marketing, as well as skillful writing, respectively. My favorite class so far has been my FYS, Nonprofit Leadership. We went to volunteer at two local community nonprofit organizations. I liked the concept of giving back, and it was a chance for me to get to learn more about the Fargo-Moorhead community as a new member.
What are you involved with outside of class?
I currently serve as the social media coordinator for the International Student Organization and the UWC Cobber Association.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I ideally wake up at 6 a.m. and go to the gym until 7 a.m. But sometimes, when I have many assignments, I sleep late and wake up at 7, skip the gym, and go to work. I don't take breakfast because I’m on an intermittent fast diet.
- 8-10 a.m. — Work
- 10:30 a.m. — Financial Accounting
- 11:50 a.m. — Calculus 1
- 1 p.m. — Dinner to break intermittent fasting
- 2-6 p.m. — Assignments
- 6 p.m. — Last meal of the day and end of the school day
Tell me about a highlight of your time at Concordia so far.
I have a couple, but one I rate high would be the time my American English and Culture class went to Minneapolis. It was a fun ride and exciting to get off campus with my friends and class to have fun but still get exposed to the fast-paced American culture in the Twin Cities.
What advice would you give to a UWC student currently making their university choice?
Consider both your heart and practical needs. Ask yourself what you need: a small or large community. Do your research and pick a school with many opportunities and (if you can) with some people from your region. It’s nice to mingle with people from different backgrounds, but it's also comforting to have people you share a cultural background with, especially when homesickness hits.