Meet Isaac

Name: Isaac Akhtar Zada

Class of: 2027

Program: STEM Master of Business Administration

"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the alumni and friends whose generosity made my scholarship possible."

What made you choose Southern New Hampshire University, and what do you value most about your experience here?

I chose Southern New Hampshire University because it gave me the opportunity to continue my education and pursue my goals despite the challenges I faced as an international student from Afghanistan. I was drawn to SNHU's welcoming community, strong academic programs, and commitment to helping students from different backgrounds succeed. What I value most is the support I have received from professors, advisors, staff, and fellow students as I adjusted to a new country, strengthened my English, and grew academically and personally. Through my studies and involvement with the Chandler Center, I have built confidence, developed leadership skills, and found a strong sense of community.

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

As an international student, scholarships and financial aid have been essential in making it possible for me to attend Southern New Hampshire University. My family has limited financial resources, and the cost of studying in the United States would have been extremely difficult to manage without this support. The assistance has reduced the financial burden on my family and allowed me to focus on my academics, campus involvement, leadership, and service opportunities rather than constantly worrying about finances. It helped me complete my bachelor's degree in computer science and continue into the STEM MBA program. Beyond the financial assistance, receiving scholarships has encouraged and motivated me by reminding me that others believe in my potential and future success.

What message would you like to share with the alumni and friends whose generosity made your scholarship possible?

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the alumni and friends whose generosity made my scholarship possible. Your support has given me opportunities that once felt out of reach and helped me continue my educational journey from Kabul, Afghanistan, to Southern New Hampshire University. As a first-generation, international student, your investment has eased my financial burden and encouraged me to keep pursuing my goals despite the challenges I have faced. I hope to honor your generosity through hard work, leadership, and service to others, and one day give back to future students in the same way you have helped me. Thank you for believing in students like me and for making a lasting difference in my life and future.

Tell us about your journey to and through SNHU. What inspired you to pursue your degree, and what are you most proud of so far?

My journey to SNHU has been full of challenges, but it has also been deeply meaningful and rewarding. I grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan, during a time of war, political instability, health challenges, and financial hardship. Even through those difficulties, I believed education could help me build a better future for myself, my family, and others. In 2021, I received a scholarship to attend SNHU. After months of improving my English and navigating visa challenges, I arrived in the United States in December 2022, and began classes in January 2023. My first semester was difficult because of the language barrier, but I worked hard, translated my lessons, and improved with support from my professors and classmates. I chose computer science because I am interested in technology and wanted skills that could help solve real problems and create opportunities for others. I earned my bachelor's degree in computer science in May 2026, and I am now pursuing a STEM MBA. I am most proud not only of earning my degree, but also of how much I have grown. Through The Chandler Center, I supported service projects, helped other students, and developed leadership skills. Looking back, I am proud that I stayed committed, overcame many challenges, and achieved goals that once seemed impossible.

How has receiving scholarship support shaped your experience at SNHU or influenced your future plans?

Receiving scholarship support has made a tremendous difference in my experience at SNHU. It reduced the financial pressure on me and my family, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies, build my skills, and participate in campus activities, leadership, and community service opportunities. The support helped me complete my bachelor's degree in computer science and continue into the STEM MBA program. It has also strengthened my motivation and confidence by showing me that others believe in my potential. Looking ahead, I hope to build a successful career that combines technology and business, create positive change, give back to my community, and help create opportunities for others just as these scholarships created opportunities for me.

Has a person, class, or experience at SNHU had a meaningful impact on you? Please share.

Several people and experiences at SNHU have had a meaningful impact on my journey. The Chandler Center, especially Elizabeth Richards and The Chandler Center team, supported me during a difficult time and gave me opportunities to contribute to service projects, take on responsibility, and grow as a student leader. Elizabeth believed in me and encouraged me to keep going when things felt challenging. Professor Ayman Eldeib also gave me confidence when I was worried about succeeding in computer science. In my first class with him, he told me, "You will learn in my class." I later took four more classes with him, and his teaching and encouragement helped me grow academically and personally. My advisor, Amanda Doyle, has been another important part of my success. From my first day at SNHU, she answered my questions, helped me navigate challenges, and provided guidance that kept me on track. I am grateful for the confidence, motivation, and leadership skills these mentors and experiences helped me develop.

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