Roniqua M. Wright

Why did you choose Dalton State? I chose Dalton State because I knew this would be a great environment in which to learn. I wanted to be somewhere where I knew people would care about me and my willingness to learn. Dalton State changed my life!! I came from a small island with way too many people where no one stood out from the other and everyone was in some way or form a family member. Here I feel like an individual, a trail blazer, someone who can make a difference for international students. Dalton State gave me the chance to discover the real me!

What do you plan to do after graduation? I plan to continue here at Dalton State College pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Technology Management.

Who is/was your favorite professor and why? My favorite professor would be Dr. Norman DesRosier because he represents what and who a real professor should be; someone you can talk to easily and are never afraid to learn from. He goes beyond his duty and shares so much information I would have never known. When a student steps into a class they expect a teacher who is going to teach them how to find a career, not a job. That’s what Dr. DesRosier does. He lights a fire and a passion in his students, and his classes are always so fun and engaging. I wish he could teach all my classes.

What activities are you involved in on campus? My activities on campus include Vice President of The Dalton State International Club, an active member of the Student Conduct Board, An Orientation Leader under the Direction of Ms. Stephanie Schmidt, and I am an Office Assistant for The Center for International Education under the direction of Dr. Guo. I was also on Dalton States Homecoming Court for 2015, running for princess.

What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? Some of my biggest achievements would be being nominated to be on the Homecoming Court, and making it onto the Dean’s List.

What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? My favorite activity to do around Dalton is exploring because I am technically still a tourist even though I’m here to get my education. I love going out to see what Georgia or Tennessee has to offer. But my favorite activity of all is hanging out with my friends and second family that I have met by living on campus in ‘The Nest.’ I love them so much because they are an amazing support system. They are real and I wouldn’t be as proud and confident as I am without “The Jedi Order.”

Where is your favorite study spot? My favorite study spot is anywhere that’s warm! But I do prefer my dining room table with Golden Girls or anime playing in the background and a good cup of tea.

Where is your favorite hangout? IHOP hands down. Love that place.

What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? My best memory so far was having the honor of walking across the basketball court as they called my name for the Homecoming Court. That was an amazing feeling!!

Favorite comfort food? Bahamian Food (e.g curry chicken or chicken souse). As for Southern food, I love corn bread.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? “It Feels Good To Be Up” by Kid Ink. I listen to that song every day even when I don’t feel up.

What is your guilty pleasure? Pumpkin Cheesecake with a whole lot of whipped cream

If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would buy my mother a bigger house and the Jeep that she wants. I would finish school and probably invest the rest of it.

What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? I would love to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow and be great at it. I want to learn this skill so I can provide my own meat for myself and be able to say I have a cool skill like archery. I can already sing and dance and act; I want to get out there and learn something useful now.

What cheers you up? My friends and a few good episodes of Golden Girls and a Studio Ghibli Anime Movie

What is your favorite book? Alice in Wonderland

Who is your hero? My mom. She has always been my hero, and she always will be. She is a single mother who works hard every day. She’s never asked for help, and she’s never once skimped on loving her child. She instilled me how to be courageous and powerful. She always made sure God had His correct place in my life. There is no better teacher in this world on what kind of person I should be in this world, and it’s definitely her. She let me spread my wings and let me dance, and sing and be dirty and messy. She is my biggest supporter, my greatest cheerleader, and my ultimate protector. I’m serious, the lady is no joke. Hats off to you Monique A. Rahming. I loved you from birth and I’ll love you way after time stops.

What is your favorite childhood memory? Summer sleepovers with all of my cousins. Every weekend jumping from house to house just enjoying what it meant to be a kid on the islands. I love them so much. Being an only child they made the greatest replacements for brothers, and I miss them a lot.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? When I was growing up I wanted to be a pilot, then I wanted to be a flight attendant but my grandma said “My grandchild ain’t going to be no flying waitress!!” I thought that was really funny. After that I wanted to be a singer and that turned into wanting to be a forensic scientist. I tried for a while but now I want to be the IT professional that the President calls on!

What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? It means gaining the potential to be more than the expectations of my small country. It means being proud and loud and never letting anyone forget who I am and where I came from and who I’ve become. It means showing people what dedication and hard work can do, but never forget how to have fun. Being a part of Roadrunner Nation means hope, and joy for not only me but my family and friends and all the international students to come after me. I’ve been here less than two years and look where I am. Look at what I’ve accomplished. I want you to wait and see what I have in store.