Meet Melissa

Name: Melissa French

Class of: 2023

Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration w/a conc. in Nonprofit Management

"Scholarships allow me to continue my education and complete my degree, enabling me to better support my family."

What do you like most about SNHU?

How I can fit the classes into my busy life, it's very flexible.

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'm currently working and attending school full-time, plus raising my family. I can't do all of these things full-time. Expenses keep going up, which makes me feel the pressure of our budget and the thought of having to choose school or work. Scholarships allow me to continue my education and complete my degree, enabling me to better support my family.

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

As the economy worsens scholarships become more vital, allowing people to access a living wage so they can complete their degree program. Scholarships are an investment in our community.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

My first criteria were tuition and schedule flexibility, which gave me many options. But when I decided I wanted to attend a non-profit college, SNHU was the best choice.

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

My hope was to learn new things in an environment that works with my life. I enjoy the way SNHU classes are structured very much. There is less pressure on tests and rote memorization, so I can fully concentrate on demonstrating my mastery of the concepts. This style helps me work through the information and adds to my understanding of the coures's focus, which is rewarding.

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

My dream job is to be the director of a transitional homeless shelter, so I chose the Business Administration program specifically for the Nonprofit Management concentration. I hope it will enable me to serve more effectively while supporting my family.

Who at SNHU (professor, coach, advisor, etc.) has been the biggest influence on your college experience?

I have to say my advisor is very supportive, I was pleasantly surprised at how invested she is in my progress. I expected the typically cold, institutional feel, but she has been warm and encouraging.

What do you find most challenging?

I find it hard to get my class work accomplished in the time I have available. No amount of time management can add more hours to the clock, but I try my absolute best.

What are you proudest of?

I'm proud of my 4.0 GPA despite the pressures of work and family.

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

I'm excited to be a SNHU alumni! I've already received help from alumni I connected with. I'd love to be part of that community.

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