Meet Baba

Name: Baba Cisse

Class of: 2028

Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Technologies

"Your investment is not only helping me succeed today, but also shaping the contributions I will be able to make in the future in my community back home."

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 strong technology program and the supportive environment it offers to international students like me. SNHU provides flexible learning opportunities and hands-on academic support that help me build real technical skills even as I started without prior coding experience. What I value most about my experience here is the community and the support from professors, tutors, and campus programs that help students succeed both academically and personally. I also appreciate the opportunities to get involved on campus, which have helped me grow in leadership, communication, and confidence.

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?

The scholarships and financial aid I receive make it possible for me to continue attending SNHU by significantly reducing the financial burden on my family. As an international student, paying for tuition, housing, and academic expenses would be very difficult without this support. These scholarships help fill the gap between what my family can afford and the actual cost of my education.

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

Because of your kindness, I am able to focus on my studies, grow through campus work and tutoring, and prepare for a career in technology where I hope to make a meaningful impact. Your investment is not only helping me succeed today, but also shaping the contributions I will be able to make in the future in my community back home. I am truly grateful for your belief in students like me, and I hope to one day give back and support other students in the same way you have supported me.

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 Southern New Hampshire University began back home, where I grew up in a family with limited financial resources but strong values around education and hard work. I was inspired to pursue a degree in technology because I am passionate about technology and I wanted to build skills that could help me create better opportunities for myself and contribute to my community. Studying in the United States was a big step for me, but I was motivated by the belief that education could change my future. 

Since arriving at SNHU, my experience has been both challenging and rewarding. I started with no prior experience in coding, which made my academic transition difficult at first, but I committed myself to learning step by step and improving through discipline and persistence. Along the way, I have taken on roles such as IT support assistant and peer tutor, which have helped me grow both academically and professionally while supporting other students.

What I am most proud of is how much I have grown in confidence and ability despite those early challenges. Maintaining a 3.5 GPA while balancing work, tutoring, and campus involvement has shown me that I can succeed even in difficult circumstances. I am also proud of how I have become more involved in the campus community and developed leadership and communication skills that will help me in my future career in technology.

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

Because of this support, I have been able to stay engaged in my campus roles as an IT support assistant and peer tutor, where I continue to build practical skills and help other students succeed. It has also encouraged me to stay active in campus life and leadership opportunities, which have strengthened my communication and teamwork abilities.

Most importantly, receiving this scholarship has reinforced my long-term goal of building a career in technology, particularly in software development and cybersecurity. It motivates me to keep working hard, knowing that I am being supported and believed in, and it strengthens my commitment to one day giving back and supporting other students in the same way.

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

One person who has had a meaningful impact on my experience on campus is my academic advisor, Leah Grimes. She has been supporting me throughout previous semesters by helping me stay on track with my courses, understand my degree path, and make informed decisions about my studies.

Her guidance has made my experience at SNHU much clearer and less overwhelming, especially as an international student adjusting to a new academic system. Knowing that I have someone I can reach out to for advice and direction has given me confidence in my progress. This support has helped me stay focused on my goals and remain consistent in my academic performance.

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