Alumni, Family and Friends
Name: Danielle Kellar
Class Of: 2017
Major: Creative Writing and English
Minor: Professional Writing and Philosophy
I found SNHU while searching for schools which had full, online degree programs—especially in English and Writing. There were not any colleges around me that offered a degree in Creative Writing, and I was unsure I would be able to attend classes in person while I worked full time and took care of my family. SNHU had the degree program I desired as well as the convenience of being completely online. It was a perfect fit for me!
I have been working on getting my degree for close to fifteen years now. I had attended two other Universities, but after my husband was KIA, going to a brick and mortar school was not something I could do any longer. I was a little scared about going to school online, but I have been immensely pleased with the teachers, and all the amazing students I have become friends with. A lot of what I have experienced was similar to my expectations, but so much has exceeded them, too. I have met so many wonderful people and have had some really great opportunities come from attending SNHU. I never imagined I would be where I am today—in five honor societies and an Editor-in-Chief of a literary and art magazine—and I never could have accomplished these things if I hadn’t enrolled at SNHU.
The community of SNHU is truly amazing. I never thought it could be this way in an online setting. My best friends have come from taking classes at SNHU. We all motivate each other and help each other out. We have become not only school friends, but friends in every part of each other’s lives. I have had some amazing professors who have really made a difference in my life and education. I cannot imagine where I would be without my SNHU family!
There have been many teachers who have really influenced me. Richard Greco was my Intro to Philosophy professor, and he made me absolutely fall in love with Philosophy. It has impacted me in that I now plan to get my Master’s degree, and possibly in Philosophy. Another professor who had an enormous impact on me was John McIntyre. He was my Fiction Writing Workshop teacher. I had never written fiction before, and was terrified. He helped me the entire time, and I must say, I now plan to continue my fiction writing. I had no interest in it before, but after his coaching and help, I caught the bug and plan to do lots of it! There are many others, but these two have really stood out to me.
Julia Savastano is the last person I will mention. She is my amazing advisor. She is always there for me whether I need assistance, or just someone to vent to. She is a rock. I love her and she has made my experience so much more enjoyable!
I am a member of five honor societies at SNHU and was recently made the VP of Scholarship for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. I have also served as an editor on our school’s undergraduate literary magazine, The Manatee. I learned so much valuable information on The Manatee, that it has allowed me to be an Editor-in-Chief on another magazine, VIMFIREmagazine.
I am an ambitious, dedicated student. I am a hard worker and never give up on my dreams. There are times that classes are challenging, but I take it and try to conquer them with grace and fortitude.
I think for me, the math classes were the most challenging. In fact, I am currently taking the hardest class in my history of attending college. It is Formal Logic, and I am really having a difficult time. I thought about dropping the class. In fact, I actually talked to my advisor about it. I decided that I couldn’t do that. I buckled down. I stayed in contact with the professor, I did the homework assignments over and over and over until I got grades I was happy with and felt I understood the assignment. I have two weeks left, and I have pulled my D up to a B. I never gave up.
I am most proud of how I continue pressing through. I work full time, have a family and a house to take care of. I teach yoga part time, as well as working on VIMFIREmagazine. I also recently became an Independent Consultant for Jamberry. I feel like I need a clone much of the time, but I still stay focused and I keep my grades high enough to be a part of my Honor Societies.
One of my best SNHU memories continues each term. It is getting to know and meet other like-minded, courageous individuals like me. Each term I gain friends and we create new memories.
There are times that you may question why you are in school at all. Is it worth it? All the time and hours you will spend alone in front of the computer….and I say: YES! Never give up! You can do it! You have so many people to help you out between your advisor, your professors, and all the terrific friends you will meet!
I am sure I will always be involved with SNHU. It is a part of my life. I am always willing to be a part in something I love so much and has made such an impact in my life. I am unsure of my role, but I will be there!
Fiction Writing – John McIntyre
Intro. To Philosophy – Richard Greco
Last book: Ursula LeGuin’s Lathe of Heaven. I also just started a new book by Lisa Goldstein called The Red Magician.
My kitchen table or Starbucks when my family isn’t giving me enough quiet time.
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