Meet Akshaiya

Name: Akshaiya Vijayakumar

Class of: 2027

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology w/ concentrations in Mental Health Counseling and Child & Adolescent Development

"I would like to sincerely thank everyone whose generosity has made scholarships like this possible."

What made you choose Southern New Hampshire University, and what do you value most about your experience here?

I chose Southern New Hampshire University because of its online program, which first gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion for psychology. My positive experience as an online student inspired me to continue my education at SNHU, but on campus. What I value most about my experience here is the supportive community I have found through faculty, peers, research opportunities, and student involvement. These experiences have helped me grow both academically and personally while bringing me closer to my goal of building a career in psychology.

How do the scholarships and financial aid you receive make it possible for you to attend SNHU? How have they made a difference for you?

As an international student, scholarships and financial aid play a significant role in making my education at SNHU possible. Pursuing a degree in the United States has always been a dream of mine, but it also comes with substantial financial responsibilities. My family relies on a single income, and my parents have made many sacrifices to support my education. Financial assistance helps ease that burden and allows me to continue pursuing my academic goals without placing additional stress on my family. Beyond the financial support, receiving scholarships is also a source of encouragement and motivation. It reminds me that others believe in my potential and inspires me to work even harder toward my goals.

What message would you like to share with the alumni and friends whose generosity made your scholarship possible?

I would like to sincerely thank everyone whose generosity has made scholarships like this possible. Your support is doing much more than helping students financially; it is giving us opportunities to pursue our education, achieve our goals, and build a better future. I am deeply grateful for your belief in students like me, and I hope to one day make a positive impact on others in the same way that you have impacted my life.

Tell us about your journey to and through SNHU. What inspired you to pursue your degree, and what are you most proud of so far?

My journey with SNHU began through its online program while I was living in the United States as a dependent visa holder. At the time, I knew I wanted to pursue psychology because I had long been fascinated by understanding human thoughts, emotions, and behavior. My interest in the field first developed when I learned about the work of a child psychologist through my mother's experience as a preschool teacher, and that curiosity eventually grew into a passion and career goal.

As I continued my studies, I realized that I wanted a more immersive college experience and the opportunity to engage in research, student organizations, and hands-on learning. This motivated me to transition to SNHU's on-campus program and change my visa status to F-1 so I could fully pursue my educational goals. While adapting to campus life and navigating that transition came with challenges, it also opened doors to experiences that have helped me grow both academically and personally.

What I am most proud of so far is how I have embraced the opportunities available to me at SNHU. I have worked as a research assistant alongside my professor and research team, presented research at Undergraduate Research Day, become involved in student organizations, secured an internship with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, and will serve as the Secretary of the South Asian Student Association this fall. Looking back, I am proud of the growth I have experienced and the steps I have taken toward my goal of building a career in psychology and working with children and families.

How has receiving scholarship support shaped your experience at SNHU or influenced your future plans?

Receiving scholarship support has helped make my education at SNHU more accessible and has eased some of the financial burden on my family. As an international student, pursuing higher education comes with significant expenses, and this support allows me to focus more on my academics, research, campus involvement, and professional development opportunities.

Beyond the financial assistance, receiving a scholarship has also been a source of encouragement. Knowing that others believe in my potential motivates me to continue working hard and making the most of every opportunity available to me.

Has a person, class, or experience at SNHU had a meaningful impact on you? Please share.

It is difficult for me to identify just one person or experience at SNHU that has had a meaningful impact on me because so many individuals have contributed to my growth. However, one of the most impactful experiences has been working as a research assistant with Dr. Phillips and our research team. Through this opportunity, I was able to contribute to a project examining the experiences of siblings who attend SeriousFun camps and later present our findings at Undergraduate Research Day.

This experience introduced me to the research process, strengthened my critical thinking skills, and increased my confidence as a psychology student. It also showed me how research can be used to better understand people's experiences and contribute to meaningful change. Most importantly, it reinforced my passion for psychology and my desire to build a career focused on helping others.

While this experience has been especially meaningful, it reflects a larger theme of my time at SNHU: the support, mentorship, and opportunities provided by faculty and staff have helped me grow both academically and personally, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

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