Meet Brianna

Name: Brianna Roy

Class of: 2022

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology w/ a minor in Psychology 

"With your donations, you've helped and continue to help so many individuals. I hope to join all of you in the future to continue helping support these scholarships and future students."

What do you like most about SNHU?

I love the flexibility SNHU provides, especially for online students. As a mother of a medically complex child, I simply wouldn't have had the opportunity to return to school to further my education if it wasn't for SNHU. The online environment makes learning accessible to so many people who otherwise wouldn't have been able to attend in a traditional setting. 

How do the scholarships and financial aid you receive make it possible for you to attend SNHU? Specifically, how have scholarships made a difference?

As a recipient of this scholarship, and the other opportunities, it has helped shift the stress when thinking of the financial aspect. While I have been fortunate enough to have a supportive spouse who is able to help financially with my education, as a family we had to shift finances in order to support my education. The named and endowed scholarships provided an opportunity to shift this burden, so even as a family who pays tuition out of pocket, I was able to save money and put it back into our family needs. 

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

Your generosity doesn't go unnoticed. I'm incredibly thankful for all who help with possibly one of the most stressful aspects of higher education — finances. With your donations, you have helped and continue to help so many individuals. I hope to join all of you in the future to continue helping support these scholarships and future students.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

I chose SNHU because of the flexibility it allows me to have. I'm able to care for myself and my family while pursuing higher education.

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

I hoped to graduate and continue on to work in my field of choice. However, I never saw myself growing so much personally and professionally. I started at SNHU a shy individual and have grown into an involved and vocal student. I have helped lead and volunteer at multiple meetings, at times with hundreds of other students present during the meeting.

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

While I was no longer able to help people in a physically demanding job, I knew my heart was still set on helping society. As a sociology major I can do just that, help society. I've even started to seek out graduate school to obtain my master's in school psychology, so I can support the students not only in their current lives, but provide guidance for their future as well. 

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

One of the first people I've had the pleasure of meeting at SNHU is Gail Reynolds. She has watched me come out of my shell and grow into the person I am today. Not only has she seen my growth, but she has been witness to me helping guide others to take steps out of their comfort zone as well. Gail has taught me what grit truly means, and has been an unbelievable role model. I think my path here would have been different if it wasn't for her support, positivity, and guidance as a member of the Online Engagement team. Gail helped bring out my confidence that for years was hiding. I hope she knows the truly amazing impact she has had on my life, I'm eternally grateful. 

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

I've been involved in multiple ways. I've served on club cabinets, such as The Mental Health Awareness Club (as a founding member/ the President) as well as the Student Parent Club. I've been a Peer Leader and I'm currently on the Student Engagement Council as a Tier II member. Through this experience I was also selected to be a student representative on the Global Campus Curriculum Committee. Another aspect of involvement has been my three years in helping lead a Global Days of Service project for Warm Up America.

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

The most challenging part is learning how to juggle everything. As a busy mom, it was a big adjustment. Setting time aside for school, family, and fun - and sticking to that schedule - has helped me succeed as a student. 

What are you proudest of?

I'm proudest of all the personal obstacles I've overcome. If you would've asked me when I first started at school if I saw myself involved as I am, my answer to you would've been no. I've pushed past those comfort zones, and continue to push others as well.  I proud of not only the joy I feel for myself as I become a more confident individual, but also the praises I've received from others I've helped along the way as well. I'm proud of the those who have similar stories as mine, once starting as a reserved individual, having the confidence and support to go beyond what they though was possible. That growth I will take with me for life.

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

I hope to continue to be involved as an alumna, especially in areas such as SNHUconnect. I also have goals to continue to lead a Global Days of Service project. Additionally, I was selected as a member of the Active Citizens Network, which has both current students and alumni members. Eventually, I hope I have the opportunity to return to SNHU as a professor. 

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