Meet Michelle

Name: Michelle Fortin

Class Of: 2019

Program: Bachelor of Arts, double major in Justice Studies and Psychology with a concentration in Child & Adolescent Development

"My SNHU experience has felt personal because I have met so many people, been so involved, had great connections with all of my professors, and found another major that I will be pursuing. There have been so many opportunities for me and I am taking as much as I can in order to succeed as a student and a leader." 


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

My hope was to excel and achieve as much as I can. The main reason I work hard is to make my parents proud, and I feel like I have done that so far at SNHU. My experience has been even better than what I imagined. I knew that when I went to college I needed to be on the Student Government because I was on the Student Council for all four years of high school and held two officer positions, Vice President and President. Since coming to SNHU I am a part of so much more than that, including being a Resident Assistant, a Research Assistant, the CAPE Executive Board Weekday Chair, an Admission Student Leader, the Psychology Student Association Secretary, a member of the Justice Studies Association, Signature Leadership Program, and many other amazing organizations and clubs. 

Many alumni and students talk about the friendly and supportive community at SNHU. Does this resonate with you? In what ways has your SNHU experience felt “personal”?

I absolutely love the community we have at our school. Whether it is walking by the same people everyday that I eventually introduce myself so we can say hi to each other in the future, or if it is me running to a door because someone is holding it open for me, I cannot get enough of SNHU. My SNHU experience has felt personal because I have met so many people, been so involved, had great connections with all of my professors, and found another major that I will be pursuing. There have been so many opportunities for me and I am taking as much as I can in order to succeed as a student and a leader.

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

All of my professors, advisors, and staff have influenced me tremendously. My biggest influences are my friends. I met all of my friends within the freshmen First Days here at SNHU. Without these amazing people in my life, especially my first year of college, I don’t know what I would be doing or who I would be going to events with on campus. They are working hard in academics and extra circular activities, and that helps motivate me to become a better leader. 

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

My freshmen year I was involved in CAPE as a general member, a Student Government Senator, an Admission Student Leader, and Psychology Student Association general member. I was a Summer Orientation Leader this past summer. This upcoming year I will be a Resident Assistant, Psychology Research Assistant, Psychology Student Association Secretary, Justice Studies Association general member, CAPE Executive Board Weekday Chair, Signature Leadership Program Member, Freshmen Pilot Program Mentor, Peer Advising Leader, and Admission Student Leader.

What kind of student are you?

Hard-working. If you don’t see me supporting an event, I am either running around campus for meetings, setting up events, or in the library or my dorm doing homework. I never let my involvement on campus get in the way of my academics. I use time management to my best ability, keeping my grades up and finishing my first year with a 3.85 GPA.

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

I find pleasing everyone most challenging. I love to help people with activities, on campus involvement, and their homework, but I find it hard to say no when I really should. 

What are you proudest of?

I am most proud of making it on the President’s list my first and second semester of college, while still transitioning to college life as a freshmen. 

Tell us about one of your best SNHU memories.

My best SNHU memory would have to be the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Manchester, N.H. with the SNHU Student Government Association (SGA). SGA created a team, we all raised money, and walked in support of breast cancer patients and survivors. We all got decked out in pink and took just a couple of hours of our weekend to raise awareness and money for this charitable organization. 

What advice would you give to an incoming student?

Take every opportunity that comes your way. Do as much as you can because these are your last few years in a school before everything becomes real. Explore and keep an open mind; you will be amazed to learn where others are from and our differences in traditions. We live in a very diverse world, so take in everything you can to help you succeed in your future. 

In what ways do you think you will stay involved as an alumnus?

I hope to visit campus often, no matter how far, to see campus updates and developments. I hope to stay connected with my clubs and organizations to see what new things they are doing and how they continue to strive for success. I already love SNHU going into my sophomore year and I wont forget about this amazing community. 

Favorite course/professor?

Intro to Criminal Justice, Professor Wiggin

Last book read?/Favorite Movie/TV Show?

Book: Strengths Finder 2.0; Movies: The Secret Life of Pets, Lion King; TV Show: Big Bang Theory

Favorite place to do your homework?

Third floor of the library or at my desk in my Res Hall. 

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