Sydney Colbert '15

Get to Know Our July 2016 Honoree

A 2015 graduate of the culinary management program, Sydney found her passion for volunteering through life-changing service trips and her work with the Center for Community Engaged Learning. This desire to give back has deepened now as an alumna. Only a year since graduating, she has participated as a classroom speaker, hosted a Twitter Takeover, helped at the senior networking event, and served at a SNHU Global Days of Service site. Read in her own words why she continues to stay involved with the SNHU community.

What inspires you to volunteer at SNHU?

When I was a student at SNHU, I was heavily involved with the Center for Community Engaged Learning. I believe that having that job opportunity and the experiences of volunteering through Alternative Breaks really made me who I am today. That is what inspires me to volunteer and give back what was given to me!

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at SNHU?

I believe that being a student at SNHU really opened up many opportunities for me. I was able to volunteer abroad at a very low cost, be part of the Manchester community, and meet some of my very best friends and mentors through my job at the Center for Community Engaged Learning. I got a lot of help from my supporters at SNHU and I want to be that for someone else. I want to tell students that it's okay to go after a job that you didn't necessarily go to school for. I also want to explain that being involved in the things I did at SNHU was where I found my passion and job path. It's important to be involved!

Will you continue to volunteer at SNHU? Why?

Absolutely. I’m a huge fan of the SNHU alumni volunteer opportunities and can’t wait to be involved with different service projects that come up. I think it’s important to always stay connected to your roots and give back what you can. SNHU certainly gave me a lot and I’m excited to give back in return.

Will you encourage others to get involved?  How?

Yes! I’m always excited to talk with current students about how my involvement in different things on campus changed my career path. I think it’s important for juniors and seniors to understand that they can do so much with their degree, even if it’s in an unrelated job field. I want to encourage others to get involved because that can be the difference in doing what you love to do.

Past Volunteer Spotlight Honorees