After being forced into early retirement from the Navy due to a diagnosis of diabetes, John Barrett '05 wondered what would come next.

Through the Veteran Administration's Vocational Rehabilitation Program, John was able to utilize remaining education benefits. First he had to scout out local colleges to find the  best fit for his needs. 

"The continuing education office on the SNHU Manchester campus made a real impression on me right from the start," John says.

Upon returning to school at age 35, John had some reservations as to whether he could keep up in the classroom.  SNHU faculty and staff made the transition uncomplicated and helped him accomplish things he never thought possible, such as making the Deans and President's lists and graduating cum laude.

"I am convinced that the environment, faculty and staff of SNHU are largely the reason for that," he says.  "They saw those qualities in me -- and my potential – long before I saw it in myself. I will always be grateful to them for their words of encouragement and support."

From helping him register for courses to just listening to what he had to say, faculty and staff played a major role John's successful return to school, he says.

John’s SNHU experience also taught him to be "even more focused and disciplined in my work habits."  He now uses his social science degree in his work at the Veterans for Foreign Wars as a service officer, helping other veterans with claims.

John found it essential to learn quickly and manage his time well while in the CE program, which is essential to his current job.   

"It was a lot of work, but looking back at it now, I wouldn't change a thing about my experience," he says.