Meet Elaina

Name: Elaina Kopp

Class of: 2024

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Digital Photography

"Receiving financial aid and this scholarship have made a substantial impact in my life. Without these funds, I would not be able to attend school."

What do you like most about SNHU?

I LOVE SNHU because it had the BA program I was looking for and it's super military friendly. Being a military wife, we move a lot, so being able to take my college with me at any time was a huge factor when I was looking at schools to attend. The professors, academic advisors, and those in student financial aid have all been amazing. SNHU is a very welcoming and warm university.

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

Receiving financial aid and this scholarship have made a substantial impact in my life. Without these funds, I would not be able to attend school. My husband is active duty Army and we have two children — I don't work since the cost of childcare is so expensive. The added cost of going to school wouldn't be doable without the help of financial aid and a scholarship.

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

Thank you so much! Your kind, generous hearts will not be forgotten and I promise you this is not wasted money! Thank you with all my heart!

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

Southern New Hampshire University was an easy pick for me. First, it had the exact BA program I had been searching for. I searched for quite some time for a school that offered a BA in Digital Photography and I was elated to find it with SNHU.  Also, SNHU is very military friendly!  I'm a military wife, so the ability to take my studies with me wherever the Army takes us, is amazing!

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

My hope in receiving a college education is purely for self-fulfillment, to be able to do something I love and get paid for it. Also, it means a lot having my children see that no matter what age you are you can achieve your dream. Don't give up even when times may be tough. My experience has been great through this journey. Studying at SNHU and working with the professors has been rewarding, warm, professional, kind, and friendly.

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

I was inspired by my father to pursue digital photography. My father is retired from the United States Air Force and during his time in service he worked with Public Affairs. He took photographs for the base's newspaper as well as worked with the installation's television news source. My father taught me everything I know about photography.  Shortly before my father's passing in 2018, he was helping me launch my photography business. My dream job is to work with the United States Army at the Garrison level to be the unit's photographer. I would love to have the opportunity to capture the soldiers in field training exercises, weapons ranges, and trainings at the National Training Center in California as well as at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Louisiana. 

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

My first biggest SNHU influence is my English II professor, Chris LeClair. While in her class I had to write a persuasive essay. Not only did she provide an enormous amount of support during the class, but she encouraged me to have my essay published! I never thought to have any of my essay's published. I've really taken her suggestion to heart and I'm currently looking for photography magazines to submit my paper to. My other biggest SNHU influence is my Academic Advisor, Katie Larkin. Katie is a key player in my encouragement to keep going - to not give up. Take a break if and when you need to, but never get discouraged to get back in the saddle and achieve your dream!

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

I'm an online student, so being able to participate in on-campus activities is not possible for me. However, I stay involved and linked in with SNHU on social media. Additionally, I was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success and have made connections with other SNHU online students.

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

Challenges I have faced during my SNHU journey is the inability to sit in a classroom on campus. I love everything about the classroom environment, from being able to be immersed with the course of study to the friendships made in-person. I deal with this challenge by putting more focus in my time online completing my work. Living in Texas is its own challenge being so far away from New Hampshire ... yet I would not transfer to a local university just to have the face-to-face interaction in a classroom setting. SNHU is the one for me!

What are you proudest of?

I'm proud of all the hard work I commit myself to doing to not only achieve the degree of my dreams, but to also maintain a high GPA.  I want my children to see that if Mommy can do it, so can they — even if they are only 5 and 11 years old.

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

I would like to stay involved as an alumna by joining the SNHU Alumni Association. Additionally, I'm already thinking about pursuing a graduate program at Southern New Hampshire University!

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*Southern New Hampshire University is not affiliated with, and this material does not imply or constitute an official endorsement by, the Department of Defense or any Military Service.*