What is your name, where are you from, and what year are you attending at Franklin?
My name is Nuki Toradze, I am 21 years old and come from Tbilisi, Georgia. I am currently a senior at Franklin and will be graduating next Spring '23. I’m majoring in International Management with an emphasis in Marketing and with Finance electives.
How did you learn about Franklin?
The location has always been at the forefront of my mind while deciding on which universities to apply to. I was always curious about living in Switzerland, so I did some research and found Franklin. I contacted one of the alumni to learn more about the university itself and I clearly remember how highly she spoke of the academics, student life, and Franklin experiences. I'm happy that I made the right decision of choosing Franklin. Unquestionably, my expectations were justified.
How would you describe your first moments at Franklin?
Moving from a Post Soviet Country to a peaceful setting with so many international students has been a very interesting stage in my life. From the first days of my arrival and orientation, I remember the extreme cordiality of University Staff and students which helped me to adapt to Franklin.
What was your favorite Academic Travel?
Definitely Documentary and Street Photography Travel to Munich with Professor Fassl. This trip was remarkable as we investigated the history and challenges of photography and those everyday interactions that we can have with photography while documenting some bits of our everyday life. The travel component was also fascinating and memorable as I traveled with many of my friends.
Who is your hero or someone you look up to and why?
There is no particular someone that I look up to, but there are some specific qualities or characteristics in a person that can catch my attention. Sense of responsibility, creativity, diligence, and most importantly integrity are the qualities that I always look up to in a person and I always try to impose it on myself.
What is your proudest accomplishment and why?
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, I had to go back to Georgia. With the whole lockdown situation and having nothing to do, I was feeling restless, so my parents offered me to start up my own wine business. I thought it would be extremely hard for me as I had no experience. For weeks I did research, studied the equipment, consulted with professionals and in August 2020 I opened my small production plant. All my employees are professionals in their fields, and they help me to administer the winery work online. Yet, I personally don't consider this to be my proudest accomplishment. For me, learning and progression is a never-ending process, and It's going to bring bigger and prouder achievements as long as I am passionate and curious to expand on my opportunities.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?
As an enthusiast of cinema and classical music, I would definitely travel back to the 1960s and have a glass of champagne with Federico Fellini and Nino Rota. I consider these two to have boundless imagination full of mystery and eccentricity.
What is your all-time favorite book and why?
I don't have a specific book that I love but I must say I am an admirer of Russian literature, especially Leo Tolstoy. He gives the reader a lot of insight and information but still leaves us with many questions. Lately, I have also enjoyed reading Jean-Paul Sartre’s short stories, mainly “The Wall” which is a must-read.
What are three things you always carry with you?
Definitely, my cell phone, my mini notebook for journaling, where every morning I write down all the tasks that I have to accomplish that day, keeping me super organized, and airpods.
What other interests or hobbies do you have outside of Franklin?
My favorite hobbies are skiing and photography, and my biggest field of interest is interior design. My first stop in Tbilisi, Georgia, is always at local flea market or antique shop where I always search for vintage furniture or old things that have withstood the test of time. I practice my photography skills by taking hundreds of pictures of them.