Meet Mumtaz

Name: Mumtaz Gazelle

Class of: 2024

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education w/ General Special Education

"I deeply appreciate your generosity and the support system you've created to assist students like me who are dealing with financial hardship."


What do you like most about SNHU?

The open-door practice helps the students with their concerns and needs.

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 scholarships and financial aid I receive make it possible for me to attend SNHU worry-free from financial crises and student loan pressures. The scholarship helped me focus on my studies better than ever before.

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

I deeply appreciate your generosity and the support system you've created to assist students like me who are dealing with financial hardship.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

Southern New Hampshire University allows me to dream and approach that dream with in-person attendance as a full-time student and a mother of three.

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

I came to Southern New Hampshire University with uncertainties that I can do this all alone. Now with the support I've received at SNHU, I've been shown that I'm not alone in this journey.

What inspired you to choose your area of study?

There is a group of children, called the Exceptional Children, who are the future of the United States that were unconsciously falling behind due to the lack of support. I witnessed this group become vulnerable and dependent on the family forever. The family who has them always lives in worry about such kids. Ever since I was in the United States, I learned this group of children have hope and can attain self-independence and advocacy through some supports called accommodations and modifications. They can have a normal life, it's just a matter of early intervention and finding the right support to advance them. I also learned that anyone can become a teacher, but very few can be a special education teacher — this is why I chose my area of study. To be a special education teacher we needed to see those children with passion and patience. I believe with a little bit of kindness and care we can elevate some percentage of the Exceptional Children population into the general student category. These children aren't a burden; they're just a little bit more needy than the normal children.

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

Elizabeth Feingold and Merrill DeGraff are the professors who've been the biggest influences on my SNHU experience. They have a vast knowledge of the subjects being taught, support establishing a solid understanding of being a special education teacher, and really understand how to work with diverse learners.

What do you find most challenging?

Being a diverse learner and a new starter myself, I've been learning three things at one time in each of my classes — the subject itself, the language, and the technology ... all along with my hesitant personality.

What are you proudest of?

Despite being a refugee and coming from nothing, I still pursued college at my age. I'm very proud of the progress I'm making  — slowly but surely. 

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

To join the SNHU Alumni community and be a support system to others who need my help.

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