Meet Kayleigh

Name: Kayleigh Philip

Class of: 2024

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Communication w/ a minor in Esports

"Scholarships help so many students realize their dream of being able to go to college ... the feeling you get when awarded with one is indescribable."


What do you like most about SNHU?

My ability to meet new people from all around the world.

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

The scholarship I received is helping me fund my education. In turn, it has allowed me to support my younger sister's dream of going abroad to study for college as well, as I'm the oldest of three and the first to be able to move abroad to study. I'm hoping to get myself and my siblings through college debt free without having to burden our parents, and this scholarship has helped to realize that dream. 

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

Scholarships help so many students realize their dream of being able to go to college. It's such an amazing opportunity to be able to apply for one and be selected to receive one — the feeling you get when awarded with one is indescribable. I hope that one day I'm able to pay it forward this way to assist another student the way that I was helped out. 

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

I chose Southern New Hampshire University because of the large variety of subjects that were offered, as well as the opportunity to transfer abroad.

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

My hope was to be able to leave Malaysia and continue my education elsewhere, which I have been able to do. It has been everything that I hoped that it would be, from the people that I've been able to meet, places I've been able to go to and the things that I've been given the opportunity to do.

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

My high school chemistry teacher is the person who first recommended that I should look into Communications/Public Relations as a field of study. I was immediately captivated by what those entailed and quickly realized that I'd love to be in the esports industry, after being involved with SNHU Esports. Going into a communications field within the esports industry would be a dream come true. 

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

The biggest influence on my SNHU experience would have to be Andrea Bard. Not only was she my program advisor, she was also a mentor, a supporter and someone that I could go to with my questions. She was always interested in learning more about Malaysia, and would offer me opportunities to talk about my culture and share it with people through her classes. She taught me to always strive for the best and that there will be people there to help you along the way. 

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

I originally worked as a Penmen guide and now I work as an operations tech at the Esports Arena and as a resident assistant on campus in New Castle Hall. I'm also currently the president of the DECA club (which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs), the president of the Esports club and the vice president of the International Students Association. 

What do you find most challenging?

I think the most challenging thing to do as a student is to be able to balance your time in a way that allows you to stay involved with the community while still being on top of your work, responsibilities and having time for yourself.

What are you proudest of?

I'm proudest of being able to flourish here alone. I moved to America with nothing but three bags and a huge dream. It's so cool to be able to look back and see what I've built up from that, and is something that I'll always be proud of.

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

I hope that I can help students that are on the same path that I went down! I think it would be an awesome way to stay connected with people in my field and international folks.

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