Meet Shane

Name: Shane Neal Hibdon

Class of: 2024

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English w/ a conc. in Fiction

"Thank you to those who donate to support student scholarships, you're truly the kindest and most giving."


What do you like most about SNHU?

I like everything from the strong online presence and workshops, to my assignments/studies and the mySNHU home page with all the well-designed links to the different departments. SNHU has an awesome online presence, very user friendly.

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 and financial aid allow me to have the best chance possible to succeed in my educational journey. I can pay my mortgage, put food on my table, and afford to buy necessary study supplies. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to receive such an esteemed scholarship.

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

I hope to be able give back like you one day. Once I complete a master's degree and I'm earning a respectable income, my wife and I plan to donate to SNHU scholarships or maybe even be able to create a scholarship specifically designed to support SNHU students who are disabled veterans. Thank you to those who donate to support student scholarships, you're truly the kindest and most giving.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

I chose SNHU so I could pursue my education online. I'm a disabled veteran with psychosis. My injury occurred as a result from head trauma that I suffered from during an accident while deployed, so I'm unable to attend college in a traditional setting, where the classroom requires your physical presence.

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

My initial hope was simply to become a better author. But now, with the success I'm having at SNHU, I'm seriously considering teaching after I complete my Master of Fine Arts (MFA). I also plan to still write books and short stories while I teach.

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

My love of writing inspired my area of study. Writing is all I did at the hospital after my injury on deployment. Writing helped me deal with my trauma in such a big way that to this day it's my own way of exercising therapy.

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

Academic Advisor Courtney Hannon has been the biggest influence on me. She always checks on me (including mental health wise) and there have been times where I had her working double time because I was making so many changes in one or two of my previous semesters because my life was so hectic. Anytime I need something for my Tribal scholarships, I'm Native American Choctaw, she is there with an answer or an attachment in an email ready for me. Plus, she just is a really cool person. I like her kind tone and the way she talks to me with respect. A lot of people, whether knowingly or unknowingly, treated me as if I were so different that they had to tip toe around me or avoid me all together which left me feeling very lonely. Courtney taught me that it's okay to not be okay. Whatever changes you need to make, then remake and then change again, it's okay to do that. Do what you need for your own success, and don't be troubled with how you might inconvenience another for five minutes of their time when you need help. Your needs are important too. Thank you, Courtney!

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

I submitted a story to SNHU's online journal, The Penmen Review, for their Fall Fiction contest. I didn't place in the top five, but in their general submissions I got another short story chosen for publication titled, 'The Bullet'.
Also, I attend many online video workshops and I'm a part of the SNHU Facebook groups.

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

I find it challenging to put myself first. I deal with this by clearing my schedule every Sunday to start the new school week and trying to accomplish as much as possible that first day to put my school-life first. No one is going to finish the race for you. You have to take that first step every time, every week, to start your pace that'll eventually see you pass the finish line: graduation.

What are you proudest of?

I'm proud to be a part of SNHU. After being medically retired from the military it was very lonely. You're all of a sudden not deeply connected to a system or organization that made up so much of your identity, life and social activities. SNHU has replaced and filled that void for me. I feel I'm apart of something special here at Southern New Hampshire University. I can't wait to be a very active alumni.

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

I plan to donate to SNHU scholarships or maybe even be able to create a scholarship specifically designed to support SNHU students who are disabled veterans. Also, if they'll have me, I hope to teach Creative Writing online with my Master of Fine Arts degree that I plan on earning.

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*Southern New Hampshire University is not affiliated with, and this material does not imply or constitute an official endorsement by, the Department of Defense or any Military Service.*