Meet Amanda

Name: Amanda Poland

Class of: 2027

Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting w/ a conc. in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination

"Your investment in students like me not only eases the financial burden of higher education but also provides encouragement to keep pursuing our dreams."

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 its flexible online format allowed me to pursue my bachelor's degree while working full-time, serving my community, and supporting my family. After earning my associate degree, I wanted a university that would challenge me academically while accommodating the responsibilities of an adult learner. What I value most about my experience at SNHU is the opportunity to continue my education without putting my career or family obligations on hold. I have also appreciated the supportive learning environment, which has helped me develop both professionally and personally while pursuing my educational goals.

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?

Scholarships and financial aid have made it possible for me to continue my education while balancing the financial responsibilities of supporting my family. As a full-time employee, wife, and mother, every educational expense must be carefully planned, and financial assistance helps reduce the burden of tuition and other college-related costs. The support I receive allows me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress, making it possible to pursue my bachelor's degree in accounting. Beyond the financial assistance, these scholarships serve as encouragement and validation of the hard work and dedication I have invested in my education, motivating me to continue striving toward my academic and professional 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 the alumni and friends whose generosity made my scholarship possible. Your support is helping me achieve a goal that once seemed out of reach. As a first-generation college graduate, wife, mother, public servant, and adult learner, returning to school required determination, sacrifice, and support from many people. Your investment in students like me not only eases the financial burden of higher education, but also provides encouragement to keep pursuing our dreams. The impact of your generosity extends beyond me. It inspires my family, especially my children, to believe that education can change lives. Thank you for believing in students and for helping create opportunities that will have a lasting effect on our futures and the communities we serve.

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 and through SNHU began with a dream that I put on hold for many years. After attending college right out of high school, I had to leave when I ran out of money and chose not to take on student loan debt. Decades later, while working full-time, raising a family, and serving my community, I discovered an opportunity through my AFSCME union to return to school and finally complete the education I had always wanted. Earning my associate degree in accounting as a first-generation college graduate was a proud accomplishment, and it inspired me to continue my education at Southern New Hampshire University.

I chose SNHU because its flexible online program allows me to balance my studies with my responsibilities as a wife, mother, public servant, and full-time employee. Throughout my time at SNHU, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a concentration in Forensic Accounting. The support, flexibility, and quality education I have received have strengthened my confidence and reinforced my passion for accounting.

What I am most proud of is not only my academic success but also the example I have set for my family. My son often tells me, “If you can do it, I can too,” and seeing him pursue his own educational goals has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of my journey. My experience at SNHU has shown me that it is never too late to pursue your dreams, and I am proud of the perseverance, determination, and resilience that have brought me this far.

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

Scholarship support has made a meaningful difference in my educational journey at SNHU. As a full-time employee, wife, mother, and public servant, as well as the sole income earner for my family, balancing the financial responsibilities of everyday life with the cost of higher education can be challenging. Scholarship assistance has helped ease that burden, allowing me to focus more of my time and energy on my studies and academic success, rather than worrying about how to cover educational expenses.

Beyond the financial impact, receiving a scholarship has been incredibly encouraging. It serves as a reminder that others believe in my potential and are willing to invest in my future. That support motivates me to continue working hard, maintaining strong academic performance, and pursuing my goals with confidence. As I work toward earning my bachelor's degree in accounting with a concentration in forensic accounting, scholarship support brings me one step closer to achieving my long-term goals of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). It has strengthened my commitment to using my education to serve my community, protect organizations from fraud, and inspire others to pursue their own educational dreams.

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

Several classes and experiences at SNHU have had a meaningful impact on me, both academically and personally. 
Two courses that had a particularly significant impact on me were Historical Literacy & Society and Critical Business Skills for Success. Historical Literacy & Society challenged me to examine social issues, historical events, and diverse perspectives in ways that broadened my understanding of the world and strengthened my critical thinking skills. Critical Business Skills for Success helped me sharpen leadership, communication, and strategic-thinking abilities that I have been able to apply directly in my professional roles and community service. Together, these courses reinforced the value of lifelong learning and helped me become a more informed, effective leader.

The greatest impact of my SNHU journey has been the confidence I have gained in myself. Earning strong grades while balancing numerous responsibilities has shown me that it is never too late to pursue ambitious goals. The knowledge, skills, and determination I have developed through my coursework have not only prepared me for future career opportunities but have also allowed me to serve as a positive example for my family. Seeing my children pursue their own educational goals after watching my journey has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of my experience at SNHU.

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