Meet Courtney

Name: Courtney Blaikie

Class of: 2022

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Child & Adolescent Development

"I hope donors know they are appreciated and that they are making such a large impact on the lives of students. Their efforts are more helpful than they will ever know."

What do you like most about SNHU?

Being part of a tight knit community and meeting new people while receiving exceptional education in small classroom settings.

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

Receiving scholarship and financial aid takes a large weight off of the shoulders of my family and of myself, so that I can continue to receive an education. Scholarships truly make a great difference.

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

I want to thank them, sincerely and whole heartedly. There are a lot of students and families that struggle to make ends meet, most of which you cannot predict or ever realize. When donors offer the opportunity for students to demonstrate their stories to the donor themselves, they are extremely grateful to even have the chance. I hope donors know they are appreciated and that they are making such a large impact on the lives of students. Their efforts are more helpful than they will ever know. I would thank all of them, from the bottom of my heart, for giving students like myself a chance.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

I chose Southern New Hampshire University because it is a wonderful school with a great Psychology program. The community of staff and students was very tight-knit and welcoming, valuing education very highly. I couldn't wait to be a part of it!

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

My hope in receiving a college education was that I would have staff to support me and advisors to help point me in the right direction for my career path and my transition to college. Everything has exceeded my hopes so far on my journey!

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

I wanted to study Psychology because it has always been my favorite subject. I find it so interesting to learn about why humans are the way there are based on the combination of environment and biology. I pursued a concentration in Child & Adolescent Development because I have always worked well with children. My dream job is to be a child psychiatrist or a school counselor!

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

Kappa Chi Sorority has been my biggest influence on my SNHU experience. I never knew what a sorority meant before joining, but it's one of the best opportunities I took hold of. I learned a lot of lessons through Kappa Chi, such as how to be a leader, a genuine friend, and how to find your purpose in the world. I have become engaged on campus and in the community. I have learned there are people who will always have your back and support you through your college experience!

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

I joined Kappa Chi Sorority in the fall of my Freshman year. During this time, I have been able to take part of lots of community service events on and off campus, such as fundraising for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Jaymie's Bear Stuff-a-Thon, and renovating a local elementary school! This year I am holding an Executive Board position of Treasurer.

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

I found the transition of high school to college the most challenging, especially being a commuter. To deal with this, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I reached out to people in my classes, on social media, and talked to others I never had before. Through this I not only found friends with the same interests as me, but also others going through the same thing, and we were all there to push each other through it.

What are you proudest of?

I am most proud of pushing myself out of my comfort zone, completing classes I never thought of taking to learn new things, and taking advantage of what the SNHU campus has to offer - even though I was a new commuting student. I'm proud of going through difficulties and ending my year making the Dean's List!

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

I intend to continue attending Kappa Chi events on campus as an alumna. I also hope to one day be able to come and speak to other incoming students about their transitions, maybe even as an advisor!

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