Meet Charles

Name: Charles Jonayon

Class of: 2029

Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

"Please know that your contributions are making a meaningful impact, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity you have given me."

What made you choose Southern New Hampshire University, and what do you value most about your experience here?

I chose SNHU because I wanted to complete my higher education and create a better future for my family. For a long time, pursuing a college degree was not a priority for me. However, becoming a father changed my perspective on life and motivated me to invest in my personal and professional growth. I realized that earning a degree would open new opportunities and help me provide a more comfortable and stable life for my family. What I value most about my experience at SNHU is the support, flexibility, and encouragement that have made it possible for me to balance my education, career, and family responsibilities.

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?

To be honest, I wasn’t very hopeful that I would be awarded a scholarship, but I decided to apply anyway. When I learned that I had been selected to receive a scholarship for the fall 2026 semester, I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment. Beyond the financial support, receiving the scholarship gave me a significant confidence boost and reinforced that my hard work and dedication are making a difference. It motivated me to continue pursuing my education and remains a reminder that my goals are within reach.

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

First and foremost, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your generosity is helping students like me achieve goals that may have otherwise seemed out of reach. As I work toward earning my bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, your support has eased a significant financial burden and reduced many of the stresses that come with balancing school, work, and family life. Please know that your contributions are making a meaningful impact, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity you have given 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?

When I first enrolled at SNHU, my goal was simply to earn an associate degree in cybersecurity, which I successfully completed earlier this year. I chose cybersecurity because I was already working in the IT field as a contractor and believed that earning a degree would help me build the knowledge and credentials needed to advance my career. As I progressed through my studies, I gained confidence in my abilities and decided to continue pursuing my bachelor's degree.

The moment I am most proud of, however, occurred shortly after completing my associate degree. I traveled to the Philippines to surprise my grandmother on her birthday and brought a copy of my diploma with me. It was the first time I had seen her in ten years, and being able to share that achievement with her was an unforgettable experience. The joy and pride she expressed when she saw my diploma and learned that I was continuing toward my bachelor's degree is something I will carry with me forever.

Education has always held a special place in my family. One of my grandparents' proudest accomplishments was helping all six of their children earn college degrees. Because of that, higher education has always been highly regarded in our family. Being able to show my grandmother that I was following in that tradition and working toward a goal she had always hoped to see me achieve made that moment especially meaningful. Of all my accomplishments so far, sharing that experience with her is the one I am most proud of.

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

Receiving scholarship support has had a profound impact on my experience at SNHU. As someone who has often struggled with self-confidence, being awarded a scholarship on my very first application was incredibly meaningful. It validated the effort I have put into my education and reminded me that taking chances can lead to rewarding opportunities. The experience taught me that it is important to believe in myself and pursue opportunities even when the outcome is uncertain. That lesson will continue to influence both my educational journey and my future career goals.

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

One of the most meaningful aspects of my experience at SNHU has been the support and understanding I have received from my professors. Since beginning my studies in May 2024, every professor I have had has shown compassion and flexibility when life circumstances have affected my ability to meet deadlines. Their willingness to work with students during difficult situations has completely changed my perception of college faculty. Prior to attending SNHU, I had experiences with instructors who were far less understanding, and those experiences were one of the reasons I delayed pursuing a college degree. The kindness, empathy, and support I have received from my professors at SNHU have played a significant role in my academic success and have made my educational journey far more rewarding than I ever expected.

Back to Meet Our Students