Meet Ella

Name: Ella Stone

Class of: 2023

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

"The scholarships and financial aid that I receive make my education and future career ambitions possible."

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University? What do you like most about SNHU?

• Online Mathematics Degree: Since I'm only 16, an online degree is essential.
• Terms vs. Semesters: SNHU offers online classes every eight weeks, allowing me to earn my degree faster.
• Transfer Partner: SNHU partners with Dallas College, which is my local community college.
• Transfer Friendly: SNHU accepted all 88 dual credits I earned during high school.
• Value: SNHU is a private university, but with the price of a state university.
• SNHU Merit Award: I receive 10% off SNHU tuition as a Phi Theta Kappa member.
• Philanthropy: SNHU is generous in my community.

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

Tremendously influenced by my benevolent yet sensible great-grandparents, who survived The Great Depression, my family is generously frugal. Since my dad teaches and my mom home-schooled me, money is not overly abundant. As a family of five, we give our time and finances to serve others. I'm personally funding my education through merit awards, grants, and scholarships. The scholarships and financial aid that I receive make my education and future career ambitions possible.

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

Thank you for your generosity. Because of you, I'm now one step closer to my dream of becoming a teacher of upper-level mathematics. In the future, I plan to pour all my knowledge into students and help them achieve their goals — which is possible since you're assisting me in achieving mine. I appreciate you for making this possible, and I'm pleased know that your generosity will exponentially expand as I lead, serve, and teach.

What was your hope in receiving a college education?

In the fall of 2021, I enrolled at SNHU. After completing my first year, my GPA  is a 4.0 and I've earned a total of 109 credits. Next spring (2023), days before my 17^th birthday, I will complete my bachelor’s degree in mathematics. After graduation, I will go on to earn my master’s degree in teaching. However, my ambition doesn't end there. Longing to assist struggling students, I plan to run my non-profit tutoring organization that serves the less fortunate. Socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity won't be barriers to the education of those I assist.

What inspired you to choose your area of study?

Vividly, I remember my second-grade classmates struggling with math topics that came easy to me — my teacher even had me assist them. While guiding peers through two-digit subtraction, I patiently described the process. The key was understanding where to start. No one could've known the impact this moment would have on me. With more than 2000 hours of volunteerism in the past five years, I compassionately assist others.

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

Dr. Toke Knudsen has been the most impactful professor during my time at SNHU. His daily encouragement and engagement were refreshing. He made learning the history of mathematics a wonderful and exciting adventure.

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

During my first year at SNHU I earned the honor of being on the President's List. Nomination to and joining the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) honor society was also a highlight.

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

Time management can be challenging. I decided to take a break from school this past summer (2022) for a couple of terms in order to volunteer, go on a mission trip, earn my driver's license, attend summer camp, and simply enjoy the summer with family and friends.

What are you proudest of?

Earning my Bachelor's degree at the age of 16 will be my proudest accomplishment. Being recognized by President Biden for earning the bronze, silver, and gold President’s Volunteer Service Awards in 2021 was also worthwhile. Although lofty accomplishments make me stand out, compassion distinguishes me.

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

After earning my master's degree in teaching, I hope to return to SNHU as a professor.

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