Meet David

Name: David Noak

Class of: 2026

Program: Bachelor of Science in Marketing

"It means the world to me and my family to have people that support my education."


What do you like most about SNHU?

I love the flexibility of doing my class work online. I also like that my academic advisor calls me to check in on how I'm doing and I really appreciate the timely feedback I get from my instructors. Everything has gone so smoothly —  from the initial admission process to currently being enrolled in my classes. I have a lot of support and always know who to reach out to.

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

I depend on scholarships and financial aid to attend SNHU. I'm self-employed and work very hard to book every shift I work. I also have a wife and daughter whom I have to support. Sometimes I can barely make rent, let alone afford to go to school. However, I know with a degree I can eventually pull myself and my family out of poverty. Scholarships and financial aid makes college a reality instead of just an out-of-reach dream.

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

I would like to say THANK YOU! I couldn't attend college without financial aid and scholarships. It means the world to me and my family to have people that support my education. I'm from a small town and no one in my family has ever been to college, so I feel very lucky to be here. Any help I can get it amazing and a total blessing.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

My fiancé is also student here and she recommended it to me.

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

I hope to make more money so I can buy a house and support my family. I imagined that the process of navigating my college experience would be much harder and time-consuming. So far it has been easy to sign up for classes. My instructors are nice and answer my questions, so it's more personal than I thought online classes would be.

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

My fiancé introduced me to working as a brand ambassador. We do a lot of marketing and a marketing degree would enhance my professional skills and help me to achieve higher earnings. I want to own a company as my dream job.

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

I appreciate Mike Solis, my academic advisor. He calls me and checks in on me frequently. He answers all my questions and rearranges my class schedule if I need him to. He makes sure all my academic needs are met, such as helping me get a voucher to cover my textbooks. He has been beyond helpful every step of the way.

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

I think the most challenging part is the math I have to do for my courses, as this is not my strongest subject. I dealt with this challenge by purchasing a calculator, doing my research, and reading the textbooks thoroughly.

What are you proudest of?

I'm proudest of my ability to overcome hard situations.

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

Upon completion of my degree I would like to attend my graduation and walk across the stage. From there I hope to go on to get a master's degree.

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