Alumni, Family and Friends
Name: Emma Sheehan
Class of: 2019
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Art
Initially, I wanted to go to SNHU because they had a lot of things I was looking for in a school. I was really interested in the Graphic Design program, but I also liked how there seemed to be a lot of different ways to get involved on campus, and how everything seemed like a community. I also liked how the campus was small enough so it was easy to get around and have small class sizes, while also still feeling like a traditional college.
My hope in pursuing a college education was to further cultivate my knowledge and skills in order to prepare myself for a future career. What has been the most different for me than what I imagined was the importance of being involved with organizations and the general community on campus. I never expected to enjoy being active in clubs as much as I do, but I think this is what has made my experience at SNHU so memorable and rewarding so far.
The community at SNHU is extremely supportive. No matter who you are or what you believe, there is a way for you to talk to people who have similar interests. At the same time, the SNHU community has a lot of different personalities, and this really makes you appreciate and learn about different types of people. My entire experience at SNHU has felt personal. I have been able to explore all of my interests with the help of people who have experience in these fields. I think the most personal aspect of my SNHU experience is my classes. I love that classes tend to be smaller, so I can actually make a personal connection with professors and also feel like my voice is heard in class.
Coming out of high school, I was lost in terms of what to major in, though I knew I wanted to go to college. I decided to study graphic design essentially because of the program offered at SNHU. When I looked at the classes required, they sounded interesting to me, so I decided to try out this major. I had been interested in digital art for most of my life and this area of study seemed like the best fit for me. Since then, I have loved graphic design, and I am really glad I chose it as my major.
My dream job would either to do design work in the music industry or for some kind of publication. I would love to design logos and/or album artwork for musicians, since I’m also interested in music.
One person that has had a major influence on my experience at SNHU is my advisor Harry Umen. He was the first professor I met at SNHU during the Presidential Scholar’s Dinner before I actually started school here. I have also had him as a professor in a few classes. I feel like I’ve learned a lot about graphic design from him since he seems to have a lot of experience in the field. Last semester, I did an honors module in his photography class which allowed me to further explore the subject matter.
At SNHU, I’m in a few clubs and organizations and I also have a work study job on campus. I helped create the SNHU College Republicans club, and I will start my third year as their secretary this fall. I also am the layout editor for the Penmen Press newspaper and play clarinet in SNHU’s band. Additionally, I was part of Washington Hall’s Community Council for the two years I lived in that building, and we planned events for the dorm and the community. For my job, I work at the Public Safety office as a dispatcher at the front desk.
Sometimes, finding time to manage all of the things I want to do while still maintaining a focus on schoolwork is difficult. There are only so many hours in a day, and sometimes things take longer than I plan for, so it can get hectic. I’ve dealt with time management by keeping everything organized (having a planner, calendar, etc.) and by learning to say no to people.
I’m proudest of the work I’ve done with the SNHU College Republicans group. While I know it is a political group and sometimes can be seen as controversial, I think I have grown the most from my experience in this club. A few other students and I formed this club our freshman year – we went through the whole process of presenting for Student Involvement, getting approved, and then getting recognized by the New Hampshire College Republican Association, all while we were still adjusting to life at SNHU. By being secretary, I have been able to work on my graphic design skills by creating advertisements and designing the club’s logo. This year, during our executive board elections, we also had the candidates “debate” against each other in a town hall so we could learn interview skills. Everything that involves creating and maintaining a club on campus makes this club my proudest accomplishment at SNHU.
Truthfully, I have not had much personal experience with any SNHU alumni, aside from seeing people that I used to go to SNHU with at events like Homecoming. One of my professors was also an SNHU alumnus. To those who donated to my scholarships, I would say they have impacted me the most. Going to school is such a financial burden and it’s because of scholarships that I am able to continue with my studies. I am incredibly thankful for any alumni who donate to scholarships – it really makes a difference to all of the students who can’t afford an education but want one.
Make the most of your time at SNHU! There are so many different things you can do to improve yourself to be better, now and in the future. It is so important to take full advantage of all of the things you can do while in college. Joining clubs and organizations not only lets you explore your interests, but it also gives you valuable skills for the future. There are specific clubs for a lot of majors that can help you with career building. Also, learn to manage your time well. You will have a lot of different projects and commitments, but learning how to handle it all really helps you develop as a person.
After graduation, I hope to have a job somewhat related to graphic design or art. My dream would be to work with a band doing graphic design work with them, maybe designing merchandise or album art.
I think that I will keep in touch with the school, and go to events like Homecoming. I hope to stay involved with SNHU because my experience here so far has been really rewarding.
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