Meet Aakriti

Name: Aakriti Panthi

Class of: 2025

Program: Master of Science in Information Technology

"Your [scholarship donor] support allows students like me to fully focus on our studies and pursue our passions. Thank you for believing in our potential and investing in our futures."

What do you like most about SNHU?

What I like the most about SNHU is it stands out for its affordability, offering low tuition costs and various financial aid options to ensure higher education is accessible to a broad range of students.

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

The scholarships and financial aid I receive make it possible for me to attend SNHU by reducing the financial burden of tuition and expenses. Scholarships allow me to focus on my studies and research without worrying about finances, enabling me to fully engage in my coursework and pursue my passion for data science and artificial intelligence.

What would you say to those who donate to support student scholarships?

I want to extend my deepest gratitude. Their generosity not only eases the financial burden of education but also opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Your support allows students like me to fully focus on our studies and pursue our passions. Thank you for believing in our potential and investing in our futures. 

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

I chose Southern New Hampshire University because of its strong commitment to innovation and its renowned programs in Information Technology. SNHU offers a dynamic learning environment that aligns perfectly with my interests and career goals. The university's emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and its supportive community made it the ideal place for me to further my education and achieve my academic aspirations. 

What was your hope in receiving a college education? How has your experience been different than what you’d imagined?

My experience at Southern New Hampshire University has been even more enriching than I had imagined. I expected to gain technical expertise, but I have also discovered a vibrant and supportive community that has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

What inspired you to choose your area of study? What is your dream job?

I was inspired to choose Information Technology due to my passion for solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions that positively impact society. Experiences like winning a hackathon with a project in Nepal demonstrated the transformative potential of technology. My dream job is to work as a machine learning researcher, leveraging AI to tackle significant challenges and eventually pursue a career in academia to teach and inspire future generations while advancing research in AI.

Who at SNHU (professor, coach, advisor, etc.) has been the biggest influence on your college experience? What lessons did that person teach you?

Among the several influential professors at SNHU, Dr. Vik Muiznieks who teaches Innovation in Information Technology, stands out as a significant mentor in my academic journey. His dynamic teaching style and genuine passion for the subject have deeply inspired me. Through his innovative approach to education, Dr. Vik has instilled in me a profound appreciation for creativity and problem-solving in technology. He emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges, thinking outside the box, and collaborating with peers to achieve success.

In what ways have you been involved at SNHU (campus organizations, job, sports, etc.)?

During my time at SNHU, I've been actively engaged in coursework projects, job fairs, and networking events like the Salesforce event in Boston. Additionally, I've dedicated myself to supporting fellow Nepalese students by helping them find residences and offering emotional support as they adjust to life at SNHU and in the U.S. These experiences have not only enriched my college journey but also allowed me to develop valuable skills in teamwork, leadership, and cultural awareness.

What do you find most challenging? How do you deal with this?

As a student, one of the most challenging aspects for me was initially being away from my family and navigating the process of forming connections with peers from diverse backgrounds. Adjusting to a new environment and culture can be difficult, and I initially struggled to find my place and build relationships. However, with the unwavering emotional support from my husband, I found the strength and courage to overcome these challenges. His encouragement and reassurance helped me navigate through the initial difficulties, enabling me to gradually open up and forge meaningful connections with my peers. Over time, I learned to embrace the diversity around me, fostering mutual understanding and respect, which ultimately enriched my college experience.

What are you proudest of?

I am proudest of my journey of growth and resilience, both academically and personally. Despite facing challenges and uncertainties, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of education and professional development. I am proud of the determination that has enabled me to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals.

In what ways do you want/hope to stay involved as an SNHU graduate?

As an alumnus, I hope to stay involved in various ways to continue contributing to my community. One thing I am passionate about is mentoring and supporting current students, particularly those from similar backgrounds as mine, to navigate their academic and professional journeys. I also want to maintain connections with faculty members and industry professionals, participate in events and networking opportunities to stay updated on advancements in my field, and give back to the SNHU community.

Back to Meet Our Students