Meet Kirsten

Name: Kirsten Hayward

Class of: 2025

Program: Bachelor of Arts in History

"Thank you so much for your support! You're making a lasting impact on many students' lives, educations, and careers."


What do you like most about SNHU?

I like all of SNHU's resources, its location, the people, the opportunities that are presented to me and support I receive. Basically everything here is great!

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 pay for my tuition out of pocket —  as an international student the federal financial aid we can receive is minimal, if anything. Any other types of financial assistance, such as scholarships, helps alleviate some of the stress of having to wonder where the money will need to come from to pay for my next semester.

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

Thank you so much for your support! You're making a lasting impact on many students' lives, educations, and careers. Your generosity certainly does not go unappreciated.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

SNHU has offered me opportunities that no other school would have been able to offer me. SNHU is also very community-oriented and has amazing resources as well as great staff and faculty.

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

I've always wanted to further my studies. I didn't realize I wanted to travel and go off on my own until I reached the end of high school and was presented with the opportunity to travel to the US. Studying here has presented itself with its own challenges including having to adjust to the American culture as well as its school system. 

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

My history teachers from seventh grade all the way through to twelfth grade were the best and made the subject interesting and fun. Both my grandfathers also really enjoyed history, so it's safe to say I inherited that passion. My dream job has changed over the years, but I'd love to either work as a museum curator or high school history teacher.

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

All the managers I've worked for in my student jobs and all my professors have been so supportive and made significant impacts on my academic, professional and personal success. Some people I'd like specifically to highlight would be Christine Keenan, Colleen Bolton, Salvatore Saia, Professor John McCannon, Professor Charles Andrews, Jessica Gallant, Mackenzie Langsten, Rachel Herbert and Dr. Jeanne Hughes. All of these people have helped me, supported me in varying ways and taught me so much.

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

I've held many jobs on campus — including working in the Makerspace in the library, being a Penmen Guide and International Student Ambassador as well as working with Conference Services.

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

I find it most challenging trying to balance work, school, social life and mental health. Thankfully, my support system is phenomenal and help me get through the toughest of times.

What are you proudest of?

I'm proudest of being able to move half-way across the world on my own to start a new life for myself, all while being able to continue my education and create new opportunities.

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

I plan on either getting a job on campus with the Office of Admission or in the Makerspace. I also hope once I'm more settled in my dream career, to then be able to offer an internship or opportunities for other history majors to help them get their foot in the door in the history field.

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