Alumni, Family and Friends
Brianna is one of our most dedicated volunteers, in-person and virtually. She recognizes how important it is to give back to those in need and the significance of the positive connections that can be made when giving back to the community. Check out our Q&A below with her to learn more about why she loves giving back with SNHU!
Volunteering at SNHU began as a way to connect more within the community. The first year participating and bringing this idea to life was in support of the Mental Health Awareness Club on SNHUconnect where I belonged on the cabinet. A fellow cabinet member (Synthia Bean) and I recognized the importance of giving back to those in need. With our project Knit/Crochet Along with Warm Up America, we also recognized the positive significance an activity such as knitting or crocheting has on an individuals mental health. The connection between students participating and the positive feeling you get from giving back as well doing an activity you love was a huge inspiration to start this project and keep it going.
I enjoy not only giving back to communities around the world, which Warm Up America supports, but I also really enjoy connecting with students, alumni and their family and friends from all over. I’ve made lasting friendships through participating in Global Days of Service (GDS).
Collectively - it is reported that Warm Up America has received over 100 knitted or crocheted squares from the GDS project, which will be stitched together and turned into afghans/blankets. Beyond the donations received, in conversation with some individuals who participated in our virtual craft circle they have mentioned continuing to provide squares and other needed items to Warm Up America outside of Global Days of Service, which is phenomenal.
Building lasting friendships and inspiring other to continue to give and grow was completely unexpected. I always knew common goals bring people together, but when you’re a global and virtual project you don’t expect to meet others who are participating. However, through the virtual meet up, individuals were able to give back to the community while hearing from other students both past and present, all sharing knowledge and encouragement.
Most definitely! GDS has been such a valuable and important event for me as a student here. What started out just as a project an online club supported... now will continue to grow even bigger. There was a plan this year to have a physical meet up; however, due to the current pandemic we took safety measures to keep this project virtual again this year. We hope next year we will have the ability to an in-person craft circle.
I encourage everyone at SNHU to get involved within the community. I started at SNHU thinking that being an online student would feel isolating, and I was happily proven wrong. Through outlets such as SNHUconnect, GDS, and more there are so many ways to connect in the community. Stepping outside of my comfort zone and leading a project in support of GDS has helped me grow not only as an individual, but as a professional as well. I highly suggest taking a look at events such as GDS and finding a project that you are passionate about. Giving back does more than just make us feel good - it can truly make a lasting impact on the individual level, but community level as well.
Past Volunteer Spotlight Honorees
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