Meet Shanice

 

Name: Shanice Drysdale

Class Of: 2016

Major: Business Administration

 

"I have supported myself since coming to New Hampshire at the age of 16 in 2011. I was born in Bronx, New York, and spent my childhood traveling back and forth from Jamaica, where my family still lives. I was the first person in my family to complete high school, and I will be the first to finish college. I have worked so hard, and will continue to work hard and find a way to finish school. Before I left Jamaica my mother said to me, 'I see you doing something big,' and earning my degree is part of that plan."

 

Why did you choose SNHU?

I chose SNHU because of the location and good reputation of the school. I live very close and I thought it was very convenient. Also, I believe that SNHU cares not only about its school reputation, but the students in general. They have helped me to get where I am today in terms of going to school because I was unable to get loans and they have provided scholarships and other alternatives for me to be here.

What was your hope in receiving a college education?

It has always been a dream of mine to graduate from college with a business degree in the hope of being a manager of a successful company. I work very hard to get good grades and consider college a blessing.

How did the scholarships and financial aid you receive make SNHU possible?

The scholarships and financial aid that I have received were truly a blessing. There were staff members who knew my situation and because I didn’t want to go back to Jamaica, they worked with me in order to lower my tuition and make it possible for me to further my education. I am honestly grateful for the help.

What/who has positively contributed to your SNHU experience?

The SNHU environment is very friendly and whenever someone asks me to describe SNHU, I tell them that it is a mini city within a city because it has grown so beautifully and the professors are amazing. They teach with a purpose and make the lessons highly interesting.

How has SNHU impacted your life?

SNHU has become part of my life and I have a different point of view of life because they made it possible for me to be here. It shows me that there are still people in the world that care and want to see you achieve.

What are some of your most memorable experiences so far at SNHU?

During my freshman year, I maintained my 4.0 average in the 3Year Honors Program in Business Administration and worked for the SNHU Telefund making calls to alumni, parents, and friends of the university helping to build community and asking for financial support. I received the 2014 Polly Popek Text Book Scholarship and with the help of SNHU staff and career services, I found two part-time jobs and received a summer internship. I am working at a local YMCA helping kids with their homework, encouraging good behavior, and supervising. I also have an office job on campus, and Dawn Cerrato in the Career Development Office met with me and helped me obtain my first internship at the abi Innovation Hub.

What are your plans for after you finish school?

My plan basically includes having a job that is related to my field of study.

How is SNHU helping you reach your goals?

SNHU motivates me to reach my goals because they help us students to perform to the best of our abilities by having tutors and office hours with faculty.

How will you stay involved as an alumna?

Hopefully in the future when I have a decent job, I would get to donate towards scholarships because I am one of the thousands of students who needs the help in order to reach our goals. Also, I would like to participate in upcoming events.

What would you say to those who give financially to support student scholarships?

I would like to thank each and every person who has donated towards scholarship funds because without you I would not be able to further my education and attend SNHU. As the 2014 recipient of the Polly Popek Scholarship, I am extremely grateful to those who support SNHU students. When I started school I was only able to purchase one book. With the help of this scholarship, I will be able to buy all my books for fall semester. It is through the support of the SNHU donors and community as a whole that support me on my path to graduation. I hope you continue to support the school as there are numerous students like myself who are willing to work hard in school and succeed.

What would you say to your fellow students about how to make the most of their time at SNHU?

Take the time to prepare for their lessons or exams because in the long run it is they who shall benefit from a having education. Do not give up and always think about how far you have come, make use of your time by getting involved and knowing the environment.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to watch TV, study, listen music, draw cartoons and talk to my mom and dad since they are far away from me.

Back to Meet Our Alumni