Moa Nachtweij is by far the most genuinely kind person I have ever had the pleasure in meeting. As my R2 neighbor, she never fails to brighten my day as we cross paths. One thing that will always make me smile is remembering the time when Moa discovered that when somebody asks you “what’s up?” you don’t actually need to tell them what you’re doing. I can’t help but laugh when I picture her trying to formulate a day’s worth of plans in such a short period of time as she passes somebody that said “Hey Moa, what’s up?” If that amount of effort doesn’t say friendly, I don’t know what does!
Major: Business and Media (Hopes to do something with social media marketing in the future)
YOG: 2020
Hometown: Small town called Vimmerby, placed in the south of Sweden.
HC: Why did you choose SMC?
MN: My first plan was actually to go to Santa Barbara City College after my graduation in Sweden, but I ended up here because of recommendations from my friend Sofia who went to this school, and I am actually so happy I chose SMC. Even if there is no palm trees there are so many other amazing things with this school.
HC: What was your biggest fear coming to school in the US?
MN: My biggest fears were definitely to not make any friends, feeling misplaced and failing all the classes… I am glad it did not turn out that way haha! I guess I just worried too much before I got here.
HC: Any culture shocks?
MN: People are SO friendly here. Okay people are friendly in Sweden too of course…but strangers are like talking to me and holding up doors, which would barely happen in Sweden. I guess people are more reserved in my home country.
HC: What are you involved in on campus?
MN: I am involved in SMC Dance Team and I completely love it.
HC: What is your favorite thing about Saint Mike’s?
MN: The people, the dance team and the fact that the nature here allows one to hike, climb, ski and explore – and that is so fun. Also, I like the fact that SMC is such a small school; it made me feel more comfortable when I first got here and I like the whole idea of feeling like a big family.
HC: Where is your favorite place to go downtown?
MN: SKINNY PANCAKE(!) It is like the restaurant my friends and I always come back to when we do not know where to eat. So cozy atmosphere and SO tasty / food lover number one
HC: Do you have any hobbies?
MN: I love dancing (obviously), playing the piano, the guitar and photographing is a big favorite as well (VSCO I love you).
HC: Who is your biggest role model?
MN: My biggest role model is absolutely my grandmother. She is always so positive even the days that are not the best for her, and that is the kind of person I want to be.