Meet Cihan

Name: Cihan Koca

Class of: 2024

Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

"To those who donate to support student scholarships, I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation. Thank you for believing in us and for being a crucial part of our academic journeys."

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

The scholarships and financial aid I receive have been instrumental in allowing me to attend Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). As an international student, I face significant financial challenges since I am not eligible for many traditional forms of financial aid. The scholarship I received has greatly alleviated my financial burden, enabling me to focus more on my studies and less on financial concerns. It has allowed me to fully immerse myself in the academic and extracurricular opportunities at SNHU, which are crucial for my personal and professional growth. This financial support goes beyond covering tuition and living expenses; it represents the belief and trust that others have in my potential to succeed. It motivates me to work harder and strive for excellence in all my endeavors.

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

To those who donate to support student scholarships, I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation. Your generosity profoundly impacts the lives of students like me. By investing in our education, you not only alleviate our financial burdens but also inspire us to pursue our dreams with greater determination and confidence. Your support empowers us to reach our full potential, achieve our academic and career goals, and contribute positively to our communities. Thank you for believing in us and for being a crucial part of our academic journeys. Your kindness and generosity make a world of difference, and we are eternally grateful for your support.

What are you proudest of?

I am most proud of my journey and the perseverance I have demonstrated in achieving my educational and personal goals. Moving from Mersin, Turkey, to the United States was a monumental decision that required overcoming numerous challenges, including financial hardships, language barriers, and cultural adjustments. Despite these obstacles, I remained determined and focused on my aspirations.

One of my proudest accomplishments is successfully navigating the Summer Work and Travel Program, which marked the beginning of my journey in the U.S. Through hard work, I saved enough money to participate in the program and later decided to stay and pursue my undergraduate degree at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

Balancing multiple responsibilities—such as working long hours, attending English classes, securing housing, and transferring college credits—while adapting to a new country has been incredibly challenging. However, each step of this journey has strengthened my resilience and determination.

Receiving the Gertrude Shapiro Scholarship is another source of immense pride for me. It represents not only significant financial relief but also recognition of my potential and hard work. It validates the sacrifices I have made and motivates me to continue striving for excellence.

Overall, I am proud of my ability to overcome adversity and remain steadfast in my pursuit of education and professional development. This journey has shaped me into a more resilient, adaptable, and determined individual, ready to contribute positively to society and achieve my dreams.

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