Meet Brandi

Name: Brandi Hall-Rivera

Class of: 2028

Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice w/ a conc. in Substance Abuse

"Your [scholarship donor] generosity is a blessing. I'm getting to show my children and grandchildren that you are never too old to go back to school."


What do you like most about SNHU?

I like all the support and resources available to help students succeed.

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

This scholarship will help lessen the burden of rising costs of housing for me.

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

Your generosity is a blessing. You will never know the full extent of the difference you are making in someone's life.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

I saw the SNHU commercials and then I did my research. When I saw all the resources available to students I knew I could succeed and finish my degree.

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

I hoped I'd be through with my degrees by now, but God had different plans for me. Obtaining my degree has been a long journey for me while raising kids, taking care of aging parents, battling my chronic mental health condition/health issues, getting married, and moving several times. It has been a challenge, to say the least.

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

My dream job would be an attorney who advocates for the underdog and help break apart the prison industrial complex, so individuals being released stood a fighting chance to stay out of prison. I also want to create a program where domestic violence victims can feel safe to leave and know that they will not be found by their abuser.

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

My instructor, Ken Harris, has been my biggest influence because he gave me the biggest confidence boost in the beginning on one of my assignments and did not judge me because of poor decisions I made in my past.

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

I've been included in conversations through SNHU Connect, and I am a part of several different groups. I was also just recently asked to join one of the honor societies.

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

Time management is the most challenging for me as a student. I spend a lot of late-night hours finishing up my homework.

What are you proudest of?

The fact that I managed to make the President's Honors List and that I am over halfway done with my degree. I'm getting to show my children and grandchildren that you are never too old to go back to school.

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

I hope to be an inspiration and possibly a mentor to students struggling with life issues/feeling like they cannot succeed. I want to be there to tell them 'yes, you can!' and support SNHU's mission in any way I can. I love SNHU!

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