Meet Mikaela

Name: Mikaela Kane

Class of: 2021

Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Three Year Bradley Honors Program

"Your generosity and kindness is something I think of and appreciate everyday. Your open hearts allow for students to reach their full potential, regardless of what their circumstances are."

What do you like most about SNHU?

All of the varied opportunities both academic and extracurricular!

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

It has been a huge financial struggle since my dad passed away. Not only have scholarships released a large amount of stress and worry, but it also dignifies my work and helps me feel accomplished for what I have done both before and after my father's passing. In a time that I wanted to give up, the memory of my dad has pushed me forward, and receiving scholarships has made it possible.

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

Your generosity and kindness is something I think of and appreciate everyday. Your open hearts allow for students to reach their full potential, regardless of what their circumstances are. Yes, money helps, but the pride I felt when I received the scholarship is on another level of gratitude, and I owe that to those who make it possible. Thank you!

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

The Three Year Bradley Honors Program was an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up, let alone the beauty of campus, and the new improvements that seemed to be never-ending. I got such a fun, yet challenging, vibe when I visited and this past year has been nothing short of that.

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

I had always thought that college would be more for education and that most of my time would be devoted to getting good grades. Fortunately for me, it has been more than that, as it has been so easy to make the best of friends that make the experience even more memorable.

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

My dad and his success in the business world is what led me to choosing business administration. Since he passed away last year, his memory has inspired me to be the most successful business woman I can be. Since I was a kid, I have always wanted to be "the face of a company." In other words, I want to be both the developer and presenter of great ideas, and my courage and bubbly personality will (hopefully) get me there, just as my dad would have wanted and hoped for.

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

It would be hard for me to pick just one person, because there are a couple people that have supported and guided me through my first year as well as made me excited for what's to come.

Professor Ashley Liadis was the first professor I experienced, and her cool yet challenging personality made me hopeful for the rest of my years at SNHU. Dean William Lightfoot, from the day of my Bradley Honors Program interview to this day, has shown nothing but kindness and guidance throughout my experience. The conversations he and I have had continue to inspire me to work hard both in and out of the program, because there are so many opportunities in the world at my disposal.

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

Since the beginning of the year, I have been working in the SNHU gym as a fitness center attendant. I have made such great friends through campus recreation and I am continuously grateful for those people. All of the SNHU events have provided so many opportunities to be involved and spend time with my friends, too.

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

There are some days that I think about my dad and how my life would be different if he were still here. On those days, I get so down and I struggle to remember how far my family has come since that day. Would I be as driven and inspired to continue pursuing a career in business? What kinds of jobs would I have had if not for the experiences my dad had given me? These are questions I'll never know the answer to, but what I do know is that I'm happy and proud of who I've become.

What are you proudest of?

I am proudest of who I am and where I have gotten myself today. After my dad passed away, it would have been so easy for me to give up; but, I did the exact opposite. I couldn't be happier with where I've landed myself, and I have SNHU to thank for helping me get there.

In what ways do you want/hope to stay involved as an alumnus/a?

One day, I hope to have created such a successful career for myself that I can be a scholarship donor and help students who have potential, just as these scholarship donors have done for me. I'll always be proud to be a penmen!

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