Meet Brooke

Name: Brooke Shaw

Class Of: 2019

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Math

"As a student, I know that I am not learning if I’m not ever frustrated."

What was your first impression of SNHU? Tell us about why you choose SNHU.

The second I stepped onto campus, I knew that SNHU was a place where I would have the ability to succeed in anything I put my mind to. The students who I interacted with on tours and orientations were genuinely excited about what SNHU had to offer. I chose SNHU because I wanted to have an opportunity to take charge of my passions and education, and so far, SNHU has given me the resources to do so.

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

At first, I simply expected that I would work hard and enjoy my classes. However, I was able to do much more than just work hard and enjoy classes. I’ve been given opportunities to dive deeper into my major, such as participating in Undergraduate Research Day.

Many alumni and students talk about the friendly and supportive community at SNHU.  Does this resonate with you? In what ways has your SNHU experience felt “personal”?

This completely resonates with me. I am a psychology major and a math minor, and the faculty in both the math and psychology departments have been more than helpful to me. I’ve had professors who will drop anything to make sure an individual, including myself, completely understands their course. The professors will move mountains help you, it’s just a matter of the student showing interest and reaching out.

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

Dr. Karen Erickson, the Dean of Arts and Sciences, has been the biggest influence on my experience here at SNHU. She has taught me that it is completely okay to get involved in your interests, and that you can do anything you set your mind to.

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

I work in the Office of the Registrar, and I am a Peer Advising Leader (PAL).

What kind of student are you?

I am extremely passionate about my interests. I am dedicated to meeting my goals, and I enjoy setting numerous goals regarding my courses and outside research.

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

Ironically, not being challenged is one of the most frustrating things for me. As a student, I know that I am not learning if I’m not ever frustrated. The courses where I have had to dig deeper and think harder about what I’m doing have been the most rewarding courses for me. If I don’t feel challenged, I reach out to the professor to see if I can do any extra work, or I take on my own research projects on the side.

What are you proudest of?

I am proudest, so far, of my research that I presented to Undergraduate Research Day. I talked about anxiety in millennials, specifically college students, and I had a very short time span to conduct research and put it together. It was a very stressful time for me and I’m extremely grateful for my professor, Dr. Emlee Kohler’s help.

Tell us about one of your best SNHU memories.

One of my best SNHU memories is office hour meetings at Dr. Gilbert’s. A couple of my friends and I took his Regression Analysis course, and we were always at his office hours getting help. Even though we would get frustrated with the work load, we always were able to come together and laugh and enjoy ourselves.

What advice would you give to an incoming student?

Your education is what YOU make of it. SNHU has amazing professors and students who are always around the corner to guide you through your first year, and following years, here at SNHU. However, it is up to you do decide if you want to get more involved in your major and courses, and reach out to your resources. The best thing I did for myself was advocate for my education, and take advantage of every opportunity that arose.

In what ways do you think you will stay involved as an alumnus?

I would most likely stay involved by possibly being a mentor for other students in my major/concentration.

Favorite course/professor?

Abnormal Psychology with Dr. Emlee Kohler

Favorite Movie?

Good Will Hunting

Favorite TV Show?

American Horror Story

Favorite place to do your homework?

The library!

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