Honors Student Features - Solomon Nkhalamba ’13
Solomon Nkhalamba ’13
Economics & Mathematics
Home Country: Malawi
Why did you choose the Honors College at the University of Maine?
I was interested in the curriculum as it covers many topics that one hardly finds within any one major.
What is your favorite course this semester?
My favorite course this semester is HON 111. The main reason behind this opinion is the way the course is taught. I like the concept of letting students freely explore different topics with people from different fields of study. It is a unique class, and I feel that Honors College will prepare me very well in my further studies.
What activities do you participate in at UMaine?
I’m a member of Global Links and also participate in the International Student programs. I’m a student employee at the Recreation Center in the Maintenance department. I’m also volunteer as a mentor through the Barbara Higgins Bodwell ’45 Center for Service & Volunteerism.
Tell us something unique about yourself!
While in my country, I was a member of the Youth Community Center and served as the President of one of the clubs. I was also a member and treasurer for the Youth organization at church and a Sunday school teacher. I used to tutor younger students in different subjects.
I originally came to the U.S.A. with the help of Louise Sutton, a Returned PeaceCorps volunteer who served in my village for two years and upon seeing my hunger for education offered to help me. She sponsored me to go to Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) from 2007-2009, where I graduated with an Associate degree in Business Administration. While there I was involved in different activities: I joined Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society for two year colleges and served as the Vice President of Service for the college’s chapter. I am the recipient of the 2008 Leaders of Promise Scholarship awarded by Phi Theta Kappa and the 2008 SMCC President’s Rotary Club International and Multicultural Scholarship. I was also a member of the SMCC men’s soccer team in 2007, a member of the Multicultural and International Students Club and accepted into the 2009 All Maine Academic Team for two year colleges. I was one of the Student Award Winners for the Southern Maine Community College’s class of 2009. I received a full tuition scholarship to the University of Maine from the Office of International Programs.
For the past two summers, I’ve volunteered at the University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Bryant Pond. I would like to further my studies and obtain a PhD in Economics.