Meet Oanh

Name: Oanh Nguyen

Class of: 2027

Program: Master of Science in Information Technology w/ a conc. in Business Analytics

"Your support is more than financial assistance — it is an investment in our education, aspirations, and future impact."

What made you choose Southern New Hampshire University, and what do you value most about your experience here?

I chose Southern New Hampshire University because of its strong commitment to student success, its welcoming international community, and its STEM-designated programs that combine technology with real-world applications. As a student pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Business Analytics, I was attracted by the opportunity to develop both technical and analytical skills that are highly relevant in today's data-driven world. What I value most about my experience at SNHU is the supportive environment created by faculty, staff, and fellow students. Through my coursework, campus employment, and participation in events, such as the International Gala, I have grown both academically and personally.

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

The scholarships and financial aid I receive have made a tremendous difference in my educational journey. As an international student, pursuing graduate education in the United States is a significant financial commitment, and this support helps reduce that burden while allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and professional development. Beyond the financial assistance, receiving a scholarship gives me confidence and motivation knowing that others believe in my potential and future contributions. It encourages me to continue working hard and making the most of every opportunity available at SNHU.

What message would you like to share with the alumni and friends whose generosity made your scholarship possible?

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity and belief in students like me. Your support is more than financial assistance — it is an investment in our education, aspirations, and future impact. As an international student, I deeply appreciate the opportunities your generosity has created for me. I hope to honor your support through my academic achievements, professional contributions, and efforts to use technology and data-driven solutions to address real-world challenges. Thank you for helping make my educational journey possible.

Tell us about your journey to and through SNHU. What inspired you to pursue your degree, and what are you most proud of so far?

My journey to SNHU began in Vietnam, where I dedicated 17 rewarding years to working as a high school English teacher. Throughout my teaching career, I developed a deep fascination with how technology and data could transform educational outcomes and solve complex societal challenges. This curiosity inspired me to make a bold transition and pursue a Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Business Analytics at SNHU. For me, moving to a multicultural country like the United States and stepping into the tech world is not just a career change; it is an opportunity to live a ""second life"" — one filled with fresh perspectives, endless growth, and diverse cultural experiences. I truly believe that a life rich in knowledge, experiences, and cultural wisdom forms the most beautiful, cinematic chapters of one’s journey.

Since arriving at SNHU, I have fully embraced every opportunity to learn and contribute to the campus community. Balancing rigorous graduate studies, campus employment, and navigating life as an international student and a dedicated mother has required immense perseverance. However, every challenge has only strengthened my confidence, resilience, and adaptability.

What I am most proud of so far is my courage to step completely outside my comfort zone, embrace change, and pursue ambitious goals regardless of age. In addition to maintaining academic excellence, I am currently developing an innovative project titled “AI-Powered Food Equity in Cold Climate Communities.” This initiative reflects my ultimate desire to experiment, innovate, and drive meaningful transformation. I am immensely proud to prove that with a clear purpose, it is never too late to reinvent oneself, acquire new expertise, and create a lasting, positive impact on society.

How has receiving scholarship support shaped your experience at SNHU or influenced your future plans?

Receiving scholarship support has had a meaningful impact on both my educational experience and my future plans. As an international graduate student and a mother pursuing a new career path, this financial assistance has helped ease the burden of educational expenses, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and professional growth.

Beyond the financial relief, this scholarship has given me tremendous encouragement and confidence. It serves as a powerful reminder that hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning are valued by the SNHU community. This recognition motivates me to continue pursuing ambitious goals, including research initiatives that combine technology, data analytics, and social equity. Ultimately, it has strengthened my determination to use the knowledge and skills I gain at SNHU to develop practical, data-driven solutions that can make a lasting, positive difference in people's lives.

Has a person, class, or experience at SNHU had a meaningful impact on you? Please share.

Several interconnected experiences and mentors at SNHU have left a lasting impression on me. On a community level, performing at the International Gala was deeply memorable. It provided me with a beautiful platform to represent my culture through music and connect with a vibrant, diverse student body, reinforcing the profound values of inclusion that SNHU champions.

Academically, my coursework in information technology and business analytics has been transformative. The unwavering guidance from inspiring faculty members, including Professor Sherlock, Dr. Shauna Beaudin, Dr. Vik Muiznieks, and Dr. Kimberly Queenan, has expanded my understanding of how data-driven decision-making can solve complex, real-world problems.

Beyond the classroom, navigating this intense transition would not have been possible without SNHU’s exceptional support ecosystem. I am profoundly grateful to Senior Immigration Specialist Dawn Sedutto for her vital immigration guidance, and to my academic advisor, Michele Carrier, who has been a constant anchor in my studies. Furthermore, the career advisors Zachariah Hicks and Kristina Rieger have provided invaluable mentorship in shaping my professional development. Navigating this landscape with their collective encouragement has not only built my confidence but has also inspired me to continuously strive for both academic excellence and socially impactful innovation.

Back to Meet Our Students