Meet Brien

Name: Brien Gonzalez

Class of: 2026

Program: Bachelor of Science in Operations Management w/ a conc. in Project Management

"Your generosity means more than financial support; it is encouragement that reminds me that the hard work I am putting into my education is being seen."

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 it gave me the flexibility to continue working full time while earning my degree and advancing in my career. As a first-generation college student, completing my education is something that means a lot to both me and my family. What I value most about SNHU is being able to apply what I learn in my courses directly to my work and leadership responsibilities. My experience here has helped me grow professionally, become more confident in myself, and continue working toward bigger goals for my future.

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?

Financial aid and scholarships are what make it possible for me to attend SNHU. Without that support, I honestly would not be able to afford to continue my education while balancing my other responsibilities. They have taken away a major financial barrier and allowed me to stay focused on finishing my degree and building a better future for myself and my family. I am extremely grateful because this support has given me an opportunity that I otherwise may not have had.

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

Thank you for believing in students like me and for making opportunities like this possible. Your generosity means more than financial support; it is encouragement that reminds me that the hard work I am putting into my education is being seen. Receiving this scholarship gave me a sense of pride and motivation that I will carry with me as I finish my degree and continue working toward my goals. I hope one day I am in a position to give back and provide that same encouragement and opportunity to another student.

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 really started with my fiancée, who always pushed me to believe I could do more and encouraged me to go back to school. I wanted to create more opportunities for myself and my family while continuing to grow in my career, and as a first-generation college student, earning my degree has always felt like something bigger than just a personal accomplishment. Taking that first step and actually enrolling was the hardest part, but once I started, I realized how much I was capable of accomplishing. I am most proud that I have continued pushing forward while working full time, advancing into leadership, and balancing family and other responsibilities. Looking back, I am proud of how much I have grown and that I am now so close to completing something I once only hoped I could achieve, and I already cannot wait to take the next step and pursue my MBA.

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

Receiving scholarship support has made my experience at SNHU possible and has taken away some of the financial stress that comes with earning a degree. It has allowed me to focus more on my classes, my career, and finishing what I started. It has also motivated me to keep pushing because receiving that support showed me that other people see the work I am putting in and believe in my future. As I get closer to graduating, it has made me even more excited to continue my education and pursue my MBA next.

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

Jay Tiffone and the members of the Student Engagement Council have had a meaningful impact on my experience at SNHU. I started my first year without joining a club or group because I thought I just wanted to get my degree done, but the monthly meetings, member discussions, and conversations on SNHU Connect made me feel like I was truly part of the community. Samantha Isaacson has also made a huge difference in my experience because she makes the registration process so transparent and easy to understand. Every time we talk, I feel like she actually knows me, and I genuinely look forward to answering her calls because I know I do not have to worry about anything and that she will help make sure everything is taken care of. Together, those experiences have made SNHU feel like a place where I belong, rather than just a school I attend.

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