Meet Dani

Name: Dani Spaulding

Class of: 2026

Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration w/ a conc. in Public Administration & minors in Finance and Organizational Leadership

"I think that it’s amazing that people donate to scholarships in order to support students in achieving their academic dreams."

What do you like most about SNHU?

I like that SNHU is accessible to me as a working student with children, and being able to go at my own pace. I also like that it’s supportive and gives lots of opportunities for success.

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 scholarship and financial aid that I receive make it possible for me to attend SNHU, otherwise I would not be able to afford it. This scholarship is making it possible for me to be in a better spot financially.

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

I think that it’s amazing that people donate to scholarships in order to support students in achieving their academic dreams. Having someone support you in this way not only improves your financial situation after college, but it makes for more educated citizens that are able to thrive and hopefully support others in the future. Supporting students' dreams gives them hope and validation that there are others out there that believe in them.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

I live close to the campus and heard some great things about the school! I was upset I could not make in-person work for my schedule, but was happy to learn they offered online classes!

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 is to be able to do more in my career and advance further. I want to be the one to be able to make the decisions that help the community, and the only way to do that was with a degree. This experience so far has been really good. I worked very hard to maintain my GPA while working full-time and being a mother of three. Knowing that I have the support of my professors and academic advisor has kept my pushing forward!

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

I’ve always wanted to help others. Before I became a teen mom, I wanted to do that through joining the Army, becoming a paratrooper, and getting my degree in anesthesiology. I got pregnant as a teenager though and that changed what I thought I could do. I needed to take some time to figure out what helping people meant to me now. Working at a nonprofit, I see a lot of my community members struggling to find someone to help them and want help; being that person is what I needed to do. I chose the area of business administration with a focus of public administration and a minor in organizational leadership and finance because I knew that this area was where I was going to make the most impact, so that the community in which I live can thrive.

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

My academic advisor, Adam, has been the biggest influence on my SNHU experience. He has taught me that there is a huge community behind me, supporting me and wanting me to achieve my dreams.

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

My busy schedule makes being involved in extracurricular activities difficult, but I am interested in joining an honor society.

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

The thing that I find the most challenging as a student is time management. I learned very early on that. I needed to set a schedule and follow that schedule every week. This schedule allows me to ensure that all of my schoolwork is completed.

What are you proudest of?

I’m honestly proud of myself for even coming back to school. When I was in high school I was told by my guidance counselor that because I got pregnant at a young age I was never going to go anywhere, I was never going to be able to attend an actual university, that I need to set my sights on reality. Being here and doing so well, maintaining a 3.98 GPA while working full time and having three children, is my biggest accomplishment.

In what ways do you want/hope to stay involved as an SNHU graduate?

I’m hoping to get more involved before I graduate such as joining an honor society. I would also like to help others that are in a similar situation and support them and let them know you can do this!

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