Meet Rachael

Name: Rachael Harris

Class of: 2023

Program: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science w/conc. in Wildlife & Conservation

"Donating to support student scholarships does not only mean you're investing in a students education, it means you believe in that student and you are showing them that they have your support."

What do you like most about SNHU?

The community.

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

Scholarships help to relieve the financial burden that college students have to go through when attending college. Scholarships of any amount are a tremendous help for any college student, whether it allows that student to get all the credits they need or allows them not to go into tens of thousands of dollars in debt. No one should have to make the decision not to go to college based solely on their financial situation.

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

Thank you so much. It means a lot to the students and families. Donating to support student scholarships does not only mean you're investing in a students education, it means you believe in that student and you are showing them that they have your support.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

I chose Southern New Hampshire University because of the community. As soon as I stepped on the campus I felt like I was home.

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

Before I attended college I thought of it as an experience that would mostly center around academics with a few social events here and there. Since attending SNHU I can definitely say that my views have changed. SNHU empowers their students to focus on their education while creating a safe social community where everyone can be themselves. Although education is the main focus of college, SNHU recognizes that creating and fostering a community is an incredibly important part of the college experience.

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

I had the opportunity to attend The Sound School, a regional vocational aquaculture center, for high school. This school gave me a tremendous amount of opportunities to grow academically and socially. One of those opportunities was to concentrate in the field of Environmental Science. My Environmental Science teacher inspired me to fight for the environment and to pursue what I am passionate about. As of now my dream job would be to do ecological field research in various places around the world.

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

There have been many professors and students at SNHU who have helped me to become the person I am today. Dr. York is definitely at the top of the list. I had the opportunity to have Dr. York as my teacher for a few different classes throughout my time at SNHU and her classes are always my favorite part of the day. Dr. York is extremely passionate about her job and her students. She never gives up and always makes sure her students are learning something. My favorite thing about Dr. York is how she teaches. Dr. York is always excited to teach and always finds something to tell a crazy story about. She makes you want to learn more.

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

Bingo is definitely my favorite activity, but I think Zumba is a close second. I also enjoy watching and supporting the girls basketball team. At the beginning of last semester I participated in the Take 5 Program, and last fall I went to the Manchester Climate Strike as a part of SNHU. I've also attended meetings held by the Outing Club, the Environmental Club and the Biology Club.

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

Time management is definitely one of the biggest challenges I face. On campus I would try to set aside one day of the weekend to spend in the library. I would make a checklist of everything I hoped to accomplish that day and wouldn't leave until my checklist was complete or the library closed. If I had a lot of reading to do I would go to silent floor so I could completely focus on my work.

What are you proudest of?

I am proudest of how much I've developed as a person since attending SNHU. SNHU has definitely encouraged me to be a better person and has allowed me to meet incredible people who will be in my life forever.

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

As an alumna I hope I'll stay involved by helping support students academically and being a resource for people to reach out to.

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