Meet Em

Name: Emily (Em) Charest

Class of: 2026

Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration w/ a conc. in Marketing

"Giving back to students by donating to scholarships is amazingly thoughtful and genuinely changes lives."


What do you like most about SNHU?

I like the atmosphere of SNHU the best. Whether its walking around campus, doing homework in the library, or just being in class.

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 didn't know if college would be a possibility for me, receiving these scholarships feels like a weight off my shoulders and that people believe in me and my hard work.

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

Thank you so so so much. Giving back to students by donating to scholarships is amazingly thoughtful and genuinely changes lives.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

I choose SNHU because I liked the environment and campus, as well as the smaller class sizes.

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

I was hoping to gain memorable experiences in and outside of the classroom. I expected class to be very strict, but coming here, my classes and professors are so much fun. I like the freedom you have in class to express your opinion and how much you get to learn about your professors.

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

I chose business because it encompasses so many different things and it's so broad you can do anything with it. After taking some business classes, I fell in love with it. My goal after college is to eventually get a leadership position in the business field.

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

I had a First Year Seminar professor, Cheryl Hanninen, who was amazing. She got to know every single one of her students and we got to know her. Any projects she assigned us, she did herself too because she said she would never give us something she wouldn't or couldn't do. Every class with her was so informative and fun and I learned so much from her teachings.

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

I am a year round runner at SNHU. I run cross country, indoor, and outdoor track. I also work in Admissions, as a tour guide and am an Orientation Leader in the summer too.

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

I would say the most challenging part of being a student is probably making friends outside of my sport. I definitely think getting involved in work outside of my sport has helped me make new friends and branch out!

What are you proudest of?

I am most proud of my class/sports/work balance. It is not always easy balancing all of those along with having a social life, but its always worth it when I figure out a good schedule that works for me. 

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

I hope to encourage high school students to come to SNHU on my tours and help students feel comfortable and safe during orientation. I also hope one day I can create my own scholarship to give back to students as well.

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