Alumni, Family and Friends
Meet Vishwal – a tried and true SNHU volunteer. Upon graduating in 2018, Vishwal discovered there are so many great ways to help out as an alumnus … from participating in Global Days of Service projects to leading panel discussions. He is most passionate about being able to help current SNHU students navigate their way through their educational journey.
Volunteering is something that has always been a part of me, as I took after my parents' drive to give back — they've put a significant amount of time in helping poor patients at their hospital as well as social activities in India. When I graduated from SNHU in 2018, I learned that there is so much to participate in an alumnus such as: Global Days of Service, Career Services, and mentoring students in other capacities. What truly inspires me to volunteer at SNHU is a chance to work with the students to pass on my knowledge (which I learned through my hard work during my time as student) and as a result make the journey a bit easier for them as they navigate through their education.
There is this feeling of satisfaction I love when the students feel more confident after I work with them during events like: answering their questions during panel discussion, doing mock interviews, or during profile/resume reviewing. I love the fact that I can relate so closely with them by using my personal experiences from my time as a student as well as sharing the goals I've achieved in my career so far to show them that they will be alright.
I've received wonderful feedback from students and staff for the events I've volunteered at. Students have reached out just to say that they feel enlightened and more confident about themselves, which is great to hear! I also get to learn what students are curious about (given the world changes around them so drastically) and that opens the door for me to look for answers and resources which might help them. Additionally, I get more opportunities to share my ideas with the Office of Alumni Engagement — who by the way does a fantastic job in identifying where my abilities will be utilized best.
There was a very unexpected and happy surprise that I recently encountered. Due to my previous activities, I ended up being invited to a panel discussion during SNHU’s International Education Week to address our current international students and help them with their career pathways. I was extra elated about this event because when I was a student on campus I used to look forward to the day that I could be on the other side of the discussion and connecting with students as an alumnus.
In the capacities I've volunteered in so far, absolutely! Volunteering at SNHU is such a unique opportunity for me to grow personally and professionally, all while interacting with students and getting to know how it is for them vs. how it was (when I was a student). Students truly benefit from real-life scenarios being brought to their table, and I love that I have the ability to do just that.
Yes! I try to bring the bigger picture into my panel discussions/interactions by asking students to foresee themselves sitting in my seat and addressing their experiences to the upcoming graduates. And by doing so, they will continue grow and be more connected with the SNHU community.
With Diwali happening earlier in November, I want to wish the entire SNHU community a HAPPY DIWALI and a prosperous new year!
Past Volunteer Spotlight Honorees
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