Alumni, Family and Friends
Hello! My name is GJ Morris and I'm a student worker at SNHU, graduating in 2023. Join me here as I share some of my passions, what I've learned in my classes and how I'm keeping busy outside of classes. Stay tuned for future blog entries from me.
Facts about me:
Read my blog entires:
Senior Year Reflection - April 2023The Value of Informational Interviews - October 2022What I Learned During my First Year of College - August 2022My Experience With Global Days of Service - February 2022Social Responsibility and Giving SNHUdays - November 2021Bread Baking for Beginners - July 2021
It’s hard to believe that, at the end of April, I will be a college graduate.I’m as excited as ever, though seeing that the end of my college journey is within reach is admittedly bittersweet. I am ecstatic to start the next chapter of my life with my Bachelor’s degree in hand … but I’m also sad to leave the people and campus that I have spent the last four years getting to know and love. It’s safe to say that Southern New Hampshire University has been nothing short of a second home to me.I’m very proud of how well I performed academically. I currently have a 3.8 GPA that I anticipate being even higher at the end of the spring semester. That means I’m currently on track to graduate with High Honors! I’ve debated going for an MBA immediately after graduation, and have decided that I will take a break from school to begin my career and will revisit the Master’s program in the future.
To prepare for life post-graduation, I have been researching job opportunities. While I am still not entirely sure what direction I want to go with my degree in Business Administration, I do have a career goal in mind: whatever I do, I want to help people by promoting equality and corporate responsibility. I believe that diversity and inclusion practices are especially important and would like to incorporate those factors into my work whenever possible. Right now, I am leaning towards jobs in Human Resources, which I believe aligns with my goals and current skillset. I am most interested in working for non-profit organizations, government agencies, and higher education institutions, which have been the priority of my job search. I anticipate staying open to exploring additional career paths in the future as well.
I have learned so much at SNHU – both in terms of academics and life lessons. My classes have taught me about the intricacies of the business world as well as the strategies that are crucial to an organization’s success, whether it be a small business or large corporation. My biggest takeaway from the Business Administration program is the fact that business is constantly changing. Along with the rapid advancement of modern technology comes the challenge of adapting to new consumer demands. The projects I’ve completed in the Business Integration & Application courses were especially effective in driving home the point that we as business students (and future leaders) should be prepared to apply the concepts we’ve learned to our jobs, no matter what company or organization we choose to work for.|One of my favorite things about being a campus student was the work-study opportunities I had while I was there. Throughout my 4 years at SNHU I worked as an Alumni Engagement Assistant with the Office of Institutional Advancement. Working in this position has helped me grow both as a person and soon-to-be professional; acquiring important work skills such as Microsoft Office, database functionality and professional communication occurred alongside overcoming my anxiety. I also got to contribute to behind-the-scenes work on some of SNHU’s yearly flagship events, including Homecoming and Global Days of Service! In addition, I was invited to work as a Wolak Learning Fellow for a Microeconomics course during my final semester. I absolutely loved this experience and was surprised by how much I learned from it – in assisting the professor with teaching the class, I got the chance to apply the management skills I studied in previous courses and learned how to conquer the challenges associated with being a leader. I discovered how dynamic management can be, and that managing a large group of diverse people requires flexibility and even creativity to foster an environment that supports everyone’s learning goals. Overall, being a Learning Fellow felt like the perfect culminating experience for everything I’ve achieved by attending college.I’ve also learned some valuable life lessons while at SNHU. One of the most important takeaways from my experience is the value of persistence; to give yourself room to breathe but not to give up especially in the face of a challenge. I never felt alone in my struggles at SNHU. There was always someone who was willing to support me or could relate to me in some way. Having such a strong support system made the difficult times I went through much more bearable. I’ve also learned to embrace my individuality. Throughout high school I dealt with major social anxiety that was exacerbated by the feeling that I didn’t “belong”. When I first arrived at SNHU I still struggled with this, but in making new friends and getting more involved with the community I’ve learned to accept my differences and simply be myself. I’m exceptionally proud to say that when I walk across the stage at graduation, I will be standing tall as my most authentic self.
To close out my reflection, I want to acknowledge some of my biggest supporters from my time at SNHU. First and foremost, I want to thank my mom and dad. As both my parents and SNHU alumni, they have been my greatest advocates throughout my college years. Not only did they work hard to provide me with the opportunity to attend college; they were with me every step of the way, ensuring that I had everything I needed to succeed. Their love and support is, without a doubt, the main reason I am here today.Additionally, I’d like to acknowledge my coworkers at SNHU. Since freshman year, I have been a work-study employee for the Office of Alumni Engagement. Through my jobs I have not only improved upon many of my professional skills, but also formed bonds with the people I met along the way. Special thanks to Alli for being an amazing mentor who encouraged me to keep challenging myself; to Becca, Sara, Kristi, Ed, and the rest of the IA team for always making me feel appreciated and important to the team; and to Emily, Greg, Kathryn, and Brie for working hard to make our Learning Fellows class a fun, inviting, and productive space.Lastly, I want to acknowledge my wonderful partner and my best friend, both of whom were my biggest cheerleaders and closest confidants who were always there for me when I needed them. I will forever treasure my time spent at SNHU. I hope to stay engaged with the university after graduation by participating in those same alumni-focused events I mentioned previously – Homecoming and Global Days of Service – as well as staying in touch with my coworkers and joining in on online events for alum when I can. I also have a younger sibling who will be attending SNHU for the next 3 years, so I’ll have the opportunity to visit campus from time to time to see her! If there’s one thing that I can say about SNHU it’s that it is constantly evolving, and I’m excited to watch the next generation of students continue to shape the university into a school that redefines education.One last thing: congratulations to my fellow 2023 SNHU graduates! Wishing you all the best, and remember, this is only the beginning
I’d like to end my reflection with a favorite quote of mine:
“Keep your face towards the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman
Back to top.
Informational interviews are informal interviews that involve having a conversation with a person working in your field of interest. These types of interviews are useful for learning more about jobs you’re looking to pursue, as well as exploring different career paths within an industry. In this article, I’ll discuss my experience with informational interviews and what I learned, provide an overview of how to conduct your own informational interview, and give tips on reaching out to SNHU alumni who work in your area of interest.
In 2019, I conducted my first informational interview. My work-study supervisor suggested that an informational interview could be beneficial after I expressed interest in Human Resources (HR) careers. Soon after, I connected with an SNHU employee working in HR and completed an hour-long informational interview with them.
Overall, my experience with conducting an informational interview was fantastic. I learned a lot about Human Resources jobs, especially those related to recruiting, as that was the employee’s main responsibility. I especially appreciated their honesty when I asked about some of the downsides of their type of position and how they navigate the challenges. Meeting with this individual helped shape my view of HR jobs and determine if I should continue pursuing HR as a potential career.
While I consider this experience to have been an all-around pleasant one, there are a few things I would have done differently. Firstly, I would have prepared more questions about working in higher education. Most of my questions revolved around HR jobs in general, which meant I wasn’t gaining as much insight about how it related to working in a university setting, even though I had a strong interest in doing so. Secondly, I would have better prepared my computer setup. I hosted this interview virtually and depended on the natural lighting from my window; unfortunately, this led to inconsistent lighting on what ended up being a partly cloudy day. Next time I carry out a virtual interview, I will find an indoor space with a more reliable lighting source.
After finishing the interview, I determined that I’m still interested in Human Resources careers, but my personality type and career goals may not be suited for jobs focused on recruiting. Since then, my career research has focused on other aspects of the industry. I’ve also identified that, as mentioned before, I could see myself working at a university as the missions of many higher education institutions align with my interests and values.
1. Researching the IndustryOne of the most important ways you can prepare for an informational interview is by having a solid understanding of the industry you’re interested in. Even though you may not have any work experience yet, simply having some related background knowledge will allow you to make the best use of your time during the interview by skipping surface-level questions. Ideally, you will use your time to have an in-depth conversation.
2. Finding and Contacting People to InterviewFor your first informational interview, it’s best to stick with one interviewee so you don’t find yourself getting overwhelmed during the preparation stage. However, as you gain interviewing experience, you may want to set up meetings with multiple people to explore different career paths and gain a better understanding of the overall industry. You can scout for possible contacts on LinkedIn, through the SNHU Career Center, and within your personal network. Be polite and professional when reaching out to potential candidates, whether it’s over the phone or through email. You may not always receive a response, but when you do, make it clear that you value the time they are taking from their busy schedule to meet with you and want to conduct the interview at a time that works well for them.
3. Preparing for the InterviewOnce you’ve found someone willing to participate and set up a meeting, it’s time to prepare! If you are meeting virtually (recommended), have everything set up before you join the call. Adjust your lighting, test your camera and mic, and make sure your background is distraction-free. If you’re meeting in a public space, consider the noise level and other aspects like traffic or parking.
Regardless of where and how you meet, you’ll want to dress appropriately with business casual attire – leave the sweatshirt in your dorm. Additionally, you should prepare by bringing a notebook to take detailed notes, as well as creating a list of questions you want to ask. Make sure you’ve prepared enough talking points for your allotted meeting time. Some examples you may want to include are:
4. Conducting the InterviewThe most important thing to remember when conducting your informational interview is to express enthusiasm. If you show genuine interest in the interviewee and their experiences, they will feel more comfortable providing the honest, detailed answers you’re looking for.
As mentioned previously, it’s advised that you take notes during your conversation. You may find yourself looking back to their responses as you continue your career research. In addition, remember that you do not have to stick to your “script.” In fact, it is encouraged to ask follow-up questions after you receive a response. The questions you prepared ahead of time are a general guide, but if you find that new questions come to mind, be sure to ask them.
5. Following UpIt’s important to keep in touch with the interviewee afterwards. At the very least, you should send them a follow-up email thanking them for their time and stating that you found the interview to be helpful to your career search. If the interaction went particularly well, you may want to stay in contact to establish this person as a permanent part of your network; sending them a connection request on LinkedIn is a great way to accomplish this. More likely than not, putting in the extra effort now will be beneficial to you down the line.
SNHU alumni are fantastic resources for informational interviews. You can find alum that not only work in your field of interest, but also earned the very same degree you are pursuing. This will allow you to learn about how people have applied their SNHU degree to their careers.
One of the best ways for campus students to connect with SNHU alumni for an informational interview is though the Career & Professional Development Center at the Manchester campus. Located in the Gustafson Center, the Career Team is readily available to help you with not only finding candidates willing to be interviewed, but also evaluating your career plan and adjusting your resume. I have visited the Career Center several times in the past and would absolutely recommend other students do so as well. If you are interested in setting up a meeting, email careerdevelopment@snhu.edu with your weekday availability, and make sure to specify whether you want to meet in-person or virtually!
You can also connect with SNHU alumni by joining the SNHU Community on LinkedIn. There, you can view posts from alumni (as well as students), which will not only help you form connections with others from SNHU, but also keeps you updated on job openings alumni may post on the platform. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check in on the SNHU Community page every now and then, both now and after you graduate.
You can also simply search for SNHU alumni on LinkedIn to find graduates working in your field of interest. If you search for Southern New Hampshire University and click on its LinkedIn profile, you will see a tab titled “Alumni” where you can then further refine your search by job title or company.
As stated earlier, informational interviews are a valuable tool for students looking to learn more about the types of jobs they’re considering. By interviewing people working in a role you’re interested in, you’re getting an in-depth look into what your ideal job entails and how that same job may differ between organizations. You may also learn new ways to apply your education to your future job by interviewing SNHU alumni. From recent grads to workers with 20+ years of experience, you’re bound to find alumni that can aid you in your job search. On top of these benefits, you will gain valuable interview experience, which will set you up for success when you start interviewing for a full-time role. Informational interviewing has been an immensely helpful resource for me, and I hope that this article has encouraged you to try it for yourself!
The upcoming fall semester marks the beginning of my senior year of college. It'll also mark the beginning of my younger sibling’s college journey here at SNHU. As my family helps them prepare for their transition to living on campus, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on my first year and what I would have done differently. I have already given my sibling a lot of advice based on my experiences, and want to extend that advice to the rest of this year’s new SNHUdents!
PackingIf you live close by, don’t over-pack! I learned this one the hard way – doing so made moving in and out much more work than was necessary, and also took up a lot of space in my room. I would advise to start the packing process with the basics – that includes things that you know you’ll need such as Twin XL bedsheets and mattress pad, cleaning and laundry supplies, a hygiene kit, a trash can, storage containers, etc. In terms of decor, it’s important to review what is and is not prohibited with your RA (Resident Assistant) or RD (Resident Director). For example, tapestries or other objects hung from the ceiling are not allowed, but may be secured to the wall depending on the item. A list of items that you should and should not bring to campus can be found on the SNHU Office of Residence Life Facebook page.
Keep in mind that SNHU has several places on campus where you can purchase items you may have forgotten or need on the fly. In the Robert A. Freese Student Center, the SNHU Bookstore is packed with school supplies, while Penmen Place, a coffee shop across from the bookstore, offers snacks and quick meals. Both shops also carry a variety of convenience products, so it’s definitely worth checking there before travelling off campus for immediate needs.
There are also plenty of stores nearby, including a Target and Walmart just off of Exit 10 from I-93N, so even if you’re coming from a different state, you’ll be able to pick up any necessities that the Student Center doesn’t carry within just a few miles.
Residence LifeLiving in a residence area for the first time is exciting, but it also comes with responsibilities to keep yourself and your community safe. One very important thing to remember is to always keep your room key and student ID with you when you leave your room. Ideally these would be kept on a lanyard and placed somewhere you won’t forget it. I usually put mine on my door handle so I remember to grab it before walking out.
In addition, keep an eye out for flyers displayed around your building. Your RAs will often host both floor-specific and building-wide events, which are a great way to get to know your peers. These may include movie nights, arts and crafts and holiday-themed activities. And, of course, the annual Floor Wars!
Student employmentIf you are looking for a way to help pay off your college tuition, consider applying for a job on campus. The Federal Work Study program is a type of financial aid that allows students to work part-time jobs while attending college. Students are paid directly, which they can then contribute to their tuition payments. I have been working as a student employee through this program since my freshman year and absolutely love working on campus. I work in the Office of Alumni Engagement, which has given me the opportunity to work behind the scenes on some of SNHU’s biggest flagship events (including Homecoming and Global Days of Service) as well as build on a number of professional skills, the most notable of which would be analyzing and presenting data in a clear and professional manner. Many other offices around campus may also offer jobs that supplement your degree program, including but not limited to Advising, IT Services and Athletics.
If you were approved for work study through financial aid and have some free time in your schedule, I highly recommend taking on a position through the program. Even if you weren’t approved for work study, there are typically university-paid positions available to students as well. Working on campus is a great way to build up your resume with experience at a job that is flexible and within walking distance. Be sure to attend the Job Fair in September to explore campus job opportunities in person. You can also view SNHU job openings online through the Student Career Site.
Read more about Federal Work Study at studentaid.gov. Questions about the work study program at SNHU may be directed to studentjobs@snhu.edu.
AdvisorsAbove all, you should remember that your academic advisor is here to help you! They will be your go-to contact for any questions you may have about registering for classes, assist you with changes to your program, and support you throughout your time at SNHU in general. The Academic Advising Office is also an option if you have an immediate question/concern and your advisor is not readily available. You can contact this office at academicadvising@snhu.edu.
Class schedule & structureYou were likely pre-registered for classes for your first semester. Going forward, you will need to determine your own class schedule by registering for classes yourself. Registration day can feel overwhelming; my advice is to fill out your preferred list on mySNHU a week before your assigned registration date and have a backup plan in case your preferred sections end up being full. Your Program Evaluation is your best friend during this process, which you can find on mySNHU.
Class structure can vary greatly depending on your major and your professors. Factors such as essay structure or email formatting tend to be fairly consistent, but it’s best to double-check each course’s requirements. Review your course syllabus as soon as it is available so that you're better prepared to start submitting assignments.
Get involvedJoin clubs with groups you identify with – I have personally had a great experience with Gaming Club and the Sisters of the Yams (SOTY) affinity group. Of course, the welcoming community of SNHU extends to clubs, so don’t be afraid to try something new! Keep a lookout for announcements regarding the Involvement Fair, where you can interact with each club’s e-board members and learn more about what weekly meetings entail. You can also view the list of current clubs on mySNHU > Community Life > Student Organizations.
The SNHU Events Calendar is also a great place to find events taking place on campus. Many of these events will be one-offs (so if it sounds interesting, be sure to attend!), but you’ll notice that others are recurring, such as the always-popular Bingo Night. Check this calendar regularly, which you can find under the “Applications” tab on the right-hand menu in mySNHU.
One of the best ways to know what is going on is to follow SNHU On Campus socials! Stay updated on events by following the dedicated campus social media accounts on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Familiarize yourself with SNHU websitesYou will be utilizing mySNHU and Brightspace (accessed through mySNHU) often throughout your time at SNHU, so it’s worth taking the time before you arrive to familiarize yourself with these spaces. That way, you can jump right into assignments when they are given. Simply exploring the different tabs can help you gain a better understanding of how to use these sites. Keep in mind that each professor may incorporate Brightspace into their lesson plan differently, so be sure to have an understanding of how you are expected to utilize the platform. (This will be explained by your professors once classes start.)
In addition, I recommend downloading the Outlook app to your phone and registering your SNHU email so you don’t miss any important announcements from SNHU or correspondences from professors and classmates. You should also sign up for SNHU Alerts (mySNHU > Offices > Public Safety > Sign up for SNHU Alerts), which is utilized by the Public Safety department to announce snow days, road closures and campus emergencies by sending a message straight to your phone.
Plan when possibleI highly recommend using a homework planning app or notebook to keep track of your assignments throughout the semester. I started doing this during the second half of my freshman year, and can attest that it is absolutely a game-changer. I mentioned before that you should read over the syllabus for each class before the start of the semester; while you’re there, it’s a good idea to record any assignments with a pre-determined due date so you have everything laid out ahead of you. The benefit of using a homework app specifically is that they are designed to make adding, removing and editing the due date easy, so if things change during the course of the semester, you can easily re-adjust your plan. This process has worked wonders for me, so I hope you find it useful too!
Living on campus at SNHU has been nothing short of a great experience for me, and I sincerely believe it will be for you, too. No matter what your interests are or where you come from, SNHU is filled to the brim with opportunities to learn, form meaningful connections and have fun along the way. If you’re ever feeling nervous, do your best to remind yourself that many of your classmates will be just as new to college life as you are. Whether it’s friends, faculty or staff, you will form connections and build relationships that will ultimately help you navigate your SNHU journey. On that note, remember that help is always available, so don’t be afraid to ask for it if you are struggling. The Campus Accessibility Center (CAC), CARE Team and peer tutors (located in the Wolak Learning Center) are great resources in addition to those mentioned above.
I hope you found these suggestions to be helpful! I wish you all a smooth transition to college life and success in your future endeavors. Welcome to SNHU!
I’m interested in pursuing work in the human resources field. This aligns with my ambition to provide support to my community through my work. Participating in service opportunities such as GDS has not only helped me become more involved with the SNHU community, it’s also supported my career journey and will undoubtedly contribute to the achievement of my long-term career goals.
For me, the best part of working with Global Days of Service is that I’m contributing to a program that spreads awareness about the many environmental and social issues affecting people and places across the globe, while simultaneously inspiring individuals to create positive change in their communities. Global Days gives the SNHU community the opportunity to come together and give back, and to me, that’s wonderful! I feel inspired when I look through all the posts made by participants on the SNHU Alumni social media pages (psst … #ServeWithSNHU). The enthusiasm, dedication and encouragement exhibited by our participants is what makes the work I do with the event so rewarding. We truly have an amazing community at SNHU!
Some of my favorite #ServeWithSNHU pictures from throughout the years
This year, I’m most excited to participate in some of the DIY projects. Some examples of popular DIY projects in the past include the City Nature Challenge and the Pet Wishlist Drive. These projects are perfect for students like me who attend classes in the spring, as well as graduates busy with work and family – though the best thing about GDS is that you don’t even have to stick to an official project to participate! While you’re encouraged to join the official projects we offer each year, any form of community service is welcome. I hope to participate in as many projects as I can this year, as well as find my own opportunities to give back to causes that are meaningful to me.
I believe my experience with Global Days of Service has given me a better outlook on how I want to continue supporting both the university and my town after I graduate from SNHU. As an alum, I plan on continuing to participate in GDS, as well as other festivities such as Homecoming and Founder’s Day. But I also want to extend what I’ve learned from working on events to helping others in my community, both through my career and community service. I believe the experience and knowledge I’ve gained as a student worker have helped me discover what I’m truly passionate about. And I feel better prepared to start working full-time in human resources after I graduate from SNHU.
If you’re as excited as I am for Global Days of Service 2022, then head on over to the GDS website to find a project, lead your own, share your story or read about the positive impact our SNHU community members have made in the past!
When deciding where you want to shop, what factors go into your decision? Price, product quality, maybe even the store’s atmosphere (or their website’s ease of use, if shopping online) are probably some of the first things that come to mind. But what about sustainability or ethical business practices? Do you tend to shop with organizations that use recycled materials or perhaps ones that are known to value their employees?
People are more drawn than ever to organizations that acknowledge their influence on social and environmental issues – and subsequently vow to take action. Southern New Hampshire University is an example of an organization that recognizes the issues affecting its surrounding communities and is committed to promoting social responsibility. SNHU has implemented numerous initiatives to encourage students, staff and alumni to engage in social and environmental change, including Global Days of Service. (Keep an eye out for a Global Days announcement in the spring!) In this way, SNHU has made a name for itself as an advocate for change.
In this post, I’ll be talking about the triple bottom line, how it benefits organizations and consumers alike, and how you can make a positive impact on the SNHU community through Giving SNHUdays.
This semester, I’m enrolled in my third Business Integration & Application course (SB-205) as I work towards completing my degree in business administration. This course focuses on sustainability in business and how organizations can incorporate sustainable practices. Our final project in SB-205 is to propose a plan to implement sustainability initiatives in a small business of our choosing by using what is known as the triple bottom line (TBL). The triple bottom line, in simplest terms, is a framework that emphasizes three different areas of an organization:
These are known as the 3Ps. In other words, it allows organizations to not only measure growth in terms of finances, but also their impact on the well-being of society and the environment. The TBL helps businesses that are committed to sustainability and social change measure their performance in each of the 3Ps. They can then set goals to improve on each area through new initiatives.
Businesses are adopting the triple bottom line approach so that they can accurately measure their performance in the 3Ps instead of the traditional bottom line.
The TBL approach has become increasingly prevalent in the business world because it benefits both the organization and the consumer; the organization will earn respectability, improved motivation among employees and increased profits from a growing market; the consumer, on the other hand, gains the satisfaction of knowing that they’re supporting a business that is making a positive impact on society.
Check out this NHBR article on how some New Hampshire businesses have been addressing climate change. Are there any small businesses in your area that have made sustainability a part of their mission?
The triple bottom line is a welcome concept as climate change concerns become more and more widespread. As the Earth’s resources continue to be depleted, it’s important for organizations to recognize their role in the environment’s decline and act accordingly. At the same time, by encouraging a shift in focus from an organization’s shareholders to all stakeholders – that is, any person/entity who impacts and is impacted by the organization’s decisions, including employees, customers and people in the surrounding community – businesses can also make a positive social impact. The TBL is a relatively new framework, yet thousands of organizations worldwide have adopted it into their business strategy; a few notable brands include Walmart, IKEA and Patagonia.
What does all of this mean for you? Think about the town where you currently live. Have you visited any locally-owned businesses recently? If so, were they participating in any practices that relate to the triple bottom line? For example, your favorite coffee shop might use recyclable paper cups, or perhaps they only serve Fair Trade Certified coffee. Even if the business you thought of isn’t currently utilizing the TBL framework, they’re still doing their part to give back to their community through the practice(s) you identified.
Of course, giving back isn’t limited to businesses – individuals can also make a positive impact. If you’re interested in supporting your community members here at Southern New Hampshire University, then look no further!
Have you heard of Giving Tuesday? Get ready for Giving SNHUdays, one of SNHU’s biggest fundraisers of the year! On Nov. 30, this five-week-long event will officially kick off. Giving SNHUdays is all about giving back to your community right here at the university, by helping us raise funds for Southern New Hampshire University’s student scholarships. This year’s scholarships include the Traditional Undergraduate Scholarship and the Online and Continuing Education Scholarship; SNHU is also raising money to support its Center for New Americans.
As someone who has received SNHU-sponsored scholarships in the past, I’ll say that the generosity of scholarship donors has absolutely made a difference in my educational journey. Their contributions have provided financial support to me and many other students that are working hard to achieve their academic goals.
There are several ways you can show your support during Giving SNHUdays. You can give a one-time donation, set up recurring gifts for year-round contributions or inspire others to participate in the giving by Matching or Challenging -- whatever works for you. Making a difference has never been so easy!
Head on over to the campaign site to check it out, read more on what Giving SNHUdays is all about and spread the word by sharing this campaign with others on social media!
One of life’s greatest pleasures is to pull apart a freshly-baked loaf of bread. The ultra-satisfying sound of the crust first breaking paired with that warm, cozy aroma that fills the room is simply heavenly. As my culinary professor says (shout out to SNHU’s Chef Pasternak!), bread is essentially universal, as it can be found in some form in almost every (if not every) culture across the world. As such, there are seemingly endless ways to make bread, which also means a range of skill level required for each recipe. Many people are intimidated by the idea of baking bread from scratch. I'll be the first to admit that I was anticipating some major mistakes to be made when attempting my first few recipes. However, getting started with your bread baking journey is a lot simpler than you may think! With a bit of preparation, planning and patience, you'll be ready to start learning how to bake like the pros!
The great thing about bread is that you really don’t need a lot of kitchen supplies to make it. Most traditional bread doughs can be prepared with simply a bowl and a wooden spoon. That’s how it was done before stand mixers, after all! Of course, if you have a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or a bread machine (I hear those are becoming popular again.), it will make your life a lot easier, but if you don’t have either of those or just prefer to do it old-school, then the trusty bowl-and-spoon combo will work just fine.
Next on the list is a dough scraper. While not technically necessary, these metal or plastic scrapers will allow you to manipulate your bread dough much easier. You can find inexpensive plastic dough scrapers online or at your local craft store.
Lastly, you’ll want to get a kitchen scale. You’ll find that a lot of bread recipes have their ingredients measured in both cups and grams. What I’ve learned from using both types of measurements for bread dough is that ingredients measured in grams will always be more accurate, and so having a simple kitchen scale on hand will eliminate a lot of potential mistakes that can be made during the mixing phase. This is especially true when it comes to flour, as I learned the hard way that flour is difficult to measure accurately in cups. As such, it’s easy to add too much, which will cause your bread to become dense and flavorless. I would still recommend having some traditional measuring cups on hand, though. Yeast, for example, is often measured only in teaspoons and tablespoons, even when the rest of the recipe uses both measurement types; there’s also a chance that other ingredients will be measured this way as well.
My first attempt at baking challah, where I measured the ingredients using only measuring cups, vs. my second attempt, in which I used a scale for more precise measurements. As you can see, the inaccurately measured dough is dense and stiff, resulting in a lackluster bread. The dough with the precise measurements was soft, stretchy and came out beautifully.
And with that, here is the list of kitchen tools you'll need to get started:
It’s best to measure out all of your ingredients before combining them. Just be wary of ingredients that need to be at a certain temperature when added, such as “lukewarm water.”
Now that you’ve been introduced to the basics of bread baking, it’s time to step into the kitchen! Here are a couple of simple bread recipes to get you started:
Both of these recipes are from King Arthur Baking, and are some of my favorites to bake at home. The no-knead crusty white bread needs only four ingredients and is lenient in terms of timing, so you don’t have to worry about planning your whole day around this recipe. The recipe is thorough, as well, making it perfect for beginners. If you're looking to challenge yourself, look no further than classic challah — it requires more ingredients, involves kneading, and has several resting and rising periods. To me, this makes it a much more rewarding recipe to complete! You can find a “Bakealong” on this recipe’s page if you run into trouble or would prefer to see the recipe done step by step.
That’s it! Congratulations on making it this far. I wish you luck on your bread baking journey!
Back to Meet GJ
Office Hours:Mon - Fri 8 am - 4:30 pm
Give Now