Meet Caela

Name: Caela McCartney

Class of: 2022

Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

"Scholarships and financial aid have made SNHU an affordable college for me."

What do you like most about SNHU?

I love the small campus feel and how much the school really cares about their students.

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

Scholarships and financial aid have made SNHU an affordable college for me - one where I won't be swimming in debt once I graduate.

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

Thank you so much for giving me more financial support to continue my education at such a great school.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

I chose SNHU because I love the small campus and small class size feel. Also, I was able to continue playing the sport that I love, lacrosse, and be part of such a great team and program. I'm also a part of such a great program through CETA and been able to have easier access to interact with my professors.

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

In college, I was hoping to be able to learn a subject that I have been interested in ever since I was able to use a computer and be ready for a successful career. My experience has been better than I ever could imagine. Learning from professors who are so passionate in the topics they teach is so inspiring. Entering my third year at SNHU, I feel confident enough, that I will be able to be successful in my career after I graduate.

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

Ever since I played Mario Brothers when I was six years old, I have always been fascinated in how games worked and what was behind it. It wasn't until I was a sophomore in high school when I researched more degrees that revolved around computers. When I found out about computer science, my life changed. I think my dream job would be a Software Engineer at a company in New England.

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

My biggest influence at SNHU has definitely been Coach Beall. I appreciate how much time and commitment she gives to our team and makes sure every practice is worth our time. She constantly reaches out to us and lets us know she is here for us no matter what. She provided a lot of support when we found out our season was canceled during the Spring due to Covid-19. She has shown me how to be such a hard worker and how to be positive no matter what obstacle is being thrown at you.

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

I am involved in the Women's Lacrosse team and also represented SNHU at the Grace Hopper Conference in Orlando last year.

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

What I find most challenging is time management and trying not to leave assignments to last minute. I really struggle with procrastination and telling myself I have time. I deal with this by writing my assignments down in a planner and write down days dedicated for me to work on that task.

What are you proudest of?

I am proud of the experiences that I have made and people I have met at SNHU. I am from Colorado, so coming out to New Hampshire not knowing anyone was pretty difficult. Coming into SNHU I was definitely shy and more closed off than I am now. I can proudly say after my second year and going into my third year, I feel very comfortable at SNHU and am happy of who I have become because of this school. I have a great group of friends who I know I have a lot of support from, not only that I am part of such a great lacrosse team who are super supportive of each other.

In what ways do you want/hope to stay involved as an alumnus/a?

I hope I can really show how great of school SNHU is through my knowledge and work ethic that I do in my future career. I also want to help support the CETA program, so other future students can still have the facilities that we get to have now.

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