Meet Alicia

Name: Alicia Bernardi

Class of: 2023 & 2026

Programs: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology w/ a conc. in Mental Health Counseling and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to the alumni and friends whose generosity has helped make my dreams possible."

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

I chose SNHU because it was the most flexible and affordable choice to continue my education. I have loved having the support of my academic advisor, peers, and professors. I chose to complete both my undergrad and graduate degrees through SNHU because I have had such a great experience. Since I am a NH resident, I am proud to have gone to a local school and grateful to be able to have completed my education online. This allowed me to continue working full-time and worked best with my financial situation.

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?

Without financial aid and generous scholarships, I would not have been able to continue my education past high school. I love learning, and it has always been a life goal and dream of mine to complete higher education. This financial support made my dream a reality. Now with my education, I can further pursue my dream of becoming a mental health counselor, making a difference in the world.

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

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the alumni and friends whose generosity has helped make my dreams possible. Receiving this scholarship means so much to me, and I am truly thankful for your investment in my education and future. Your support is not only helping me achieve my goal of becoming a counselor, but it is also allowing me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through your generosity, you have become part of the positive change I hope to create in the counseling profession, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to carry your support forward by helping those in need.

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 to SNHU has not been a straight path, but it has led me exactly where I am meant to be. I began college pursuing business before realizing my passion was helping others. I changed my major to human services, then psychology, and ultimately pursued my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. Completing both my undergraduate and graduate degrees online while working full-time has been challenging, but incredibly rewarding. I am most proud of maintaining a 4.0 GPA while balancing work, graduate school, and my clinical internship, all while staying committed to becoming the best counselor I can be.

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

Receiving scholarship support has meant so much more than financial assistance. It has reminded me that others believe in me and the work I hope to do as a counselor. That encouragement has motivated me to continue working hard and pursuing my goal of making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and individuals. This support has strengthened my commitment to giving back and carrying that generosity forward throughout my career.

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

It is difficult to choose just one person or experience because so many have positively impacted my journey. Both of my academic advisors, Maddie Pratte during undergrad and Chantel Ritner for my graduate degree, have been incredible sources of support, always taking the time to answer my questions, push me forward, and cheer me on. I am also grateful for my practicum and internship cohort, who are an amazing group of future counselors. Their encouragement, perspectives, and willingness to share their knowledge have helped me grow both personally and professionally. Finally, I have been fortunate to learn from outstanding professors throughout my time at SNHU. Their wisdom, patience, and dedication to their students have played a tremendous role in my education, and I am truly thankful for everything they have taught me.

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