Meet Tabitha

Name: Tabitha Sawyer

Class Of: 2016

Major:  Psychology

Concentration: Child and Adolescent Development

What was your first impression of SNHU? Tell us about why you choose SNHU.

When I first realized I wanted to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, my initial concern was the program itself. I actually googled Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Child Psychology. Many pulled up, but it was SNHU’s program that interested me the most. It was at a pace that I could handle, and the classes all seemed interesting. Once I took my first class, I was hooked.

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

My hopes were that I would receive my degree and in the end know that I made the right decision as far as schools go. I wouldn’t want to spend time or money and in the end not have learned anything. Now that I am nearing the end, I know that it was all worth it; the time, the money, etc. The experience has been very smooth and I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better than it has.

Many alumni and students talk about the friendly and supportive community at SNHU.  Does this resonate with you? In what ways has your SNHU experience felt “personal”?

Reading about the different events happening on campus, I sometimes feel I am missing out on the social side of things. What makes the experience feel personal to me is the time in the discussion boards. Everyone is always so friendly and forthcoming. I do feel that SNHU should have ways for online students to be included more in the social side of things.

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

I have been an SNHU student since 2013 and I have encountered many wonderful people. It wasn’t until a few term ago that I met Professor Travis Williams. During that term he had his own personal issues going on and still was able to respond our emails and be considerate of the fact that we are all adults. The lesson that he taught me was that no matter what the situation is you can still achieve your goals and live life, too!

What kind of student are you?

I personally feel I am an exemplary student. While life does happen, I always meet deadlines and do my best in any assignment I complete.

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

Again, life. The most challenging part about pursuing my degree is that I can never pinpoint when LIFE will happen. Over the course of these three years I have lost a few relatives among many other personal issues. My belief and faith in a higher power is what always gets me through the tough times. Overall, my belief in myself helps tremendously. I believe I can achieve anything and I believe I deserve it. That always keeps me going.

What are you proudest of?

While the odds always seemed to be against me, I always managed to come out on top. When I obtained my first degree, I was going on campus. With this degree, it is completely online. I am most proud of the fact that I have not given up. I have maintained a high GPA all while going through the woes of life. When I was going on campus there were many times when I took a short hiatus. I was determined to keep going; for that I am the proudest. I made myself a promise and kept it.

Tell us about one of your best SNHU memories.

I will always remember my first advisor, Brady. She was always so encouraging. She’d never let the end of a term come up without congratulating me on a job well done. As adults, we like to hear how good a job we’ve done as well. Brady was definitely an ego booster!

What advice would you give to an incoming student?

My advice would be to always be honest with your instructors. Don’t be a slacker, but if there is something that may prevent you from meeting your deadline, let the professor know. There are a few that may not understand, but from my experience, they will always try to see how they can help you with the best outcome.

In what ways do you think you will stay involved as an alumna?

I have been thinking about this for a while now. I have never even visited the state of New Hampshire, so coming to the campus of SNHU one day is something I want to do. I would want to help with different organizations, sit on the COCE board, etc. I would also definitely want to give back financially because SNHU has been amazing to me and a pillar in my upcoming career.

Favorite course/professor?

Professor Travis Williams

Last Book Read/Movie Seen? Favorite Movie? Favorite TV Show?

The last book I read was Why Not Me? By Mindy Kaling. The last movie I saw was 50 Shades of Grey. My favorite movie is Love Jones. My favorite TV show is Greys Anatomy.

Favorite place to do your homework/schoolwork/online classes?

My favorite place to do my online classes is in the middle of my bed; sitting in Indian style, jazz music playing, with a snack! That’s the only way!

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