So You Think You Know...

ALEX WILDNER, MBA1

Before Stern, I: worked in Algeria for five years as the CFO of Estel Rail Automation, an Algerian-German railway company whose major shareholder is Siemens. As I was the only non-Algerian among our 150 employees, I really plunged into a completely new culture with Arabic, African and French influences.

I wrote my Stern essays about becoming: a CFO or CEO for a renewable energy company that invests on the African continent in solar panels and windmills.

In 10 years I see myself: being a bit more settled I hope, but still excited about discovering new things.

The one word I would use to describe myself is: energetic.

If I had one meal left on Earth I would eat: Italian cuisine or fish from Algeria (the best fish I've ever eaten!).

My favorite CEO is: Peter Loescher, the CEO of Siemens. The company has undergone tremendous change since he became CEO: its portfolio has become more focused on green tech and the corporate culture is now more diverse and multi-cultural than ever.

I love living in New York because: I study at NYU Stern, I get to meet so many awesome people and I can go biking (which I couldn't do while I was in Algeria).

I hate living in New York because: Excuse me?

My first childhood memory is: meeting my friends every day to play in our neighborhood's creek when I was little, which impeded me from doing my homework.

I'm glad I decided to come to Stern because: it has the diversity and academic profile to help me find answers to my questions such as: what does leadership mean in an international environment? How can I analyze a company's strengths and drawbacks? What is the future about? And, the Stern environment will encourage me to discover new things, which I don't know even know exist yet.

Something no Sternies know about me: I love traveling in Africa especially to non-touristy places like the Sahara, Mozambique or Lesotho (where I've gone horseback riding!).

SACHA BOXILL, MBA1

Before Stern I: worked as a senior financial analyst at Bank of America in their internal real estate division. The best part about that job was that I worked from home in Miami for the past two years.

I wrote my Stern essay about: working as an acquisition analyst for a real estate development firm that specializes in affordable housing.

In 10 years I see myself: owning a real estate development firm that specializes in quality affordable housing. If that doesn't work out, owning a soccer bar in Miami.

The one word I would use to describe myself: loyal.

If I had one meal left on earth I would eat: definitely a New York Strip, cooked medium.

My favorite CEO is: Steve Jobs. I love Apple products.

I love living in New York because: every day you see something that is hilarious, crazy or sometimes both hilarious and crazy at the same time.

I hate living in New York because: cell phones don't work on the train.  

My first childhood memory is: not wanting to take my sandals off at the beach. I was dead afraid of the sand.

I'm glad I decided to come to Stern because: the people are exactly the way everyone described them to be: down to earth and down to business.

Something no Sternies know about me: I love smoking cigars. Not having a balcony anymore really sucks.