SNHU Spotlight: Gigi Bell, BS in Business Administration Grad

For Gigi Bell ‘25, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) represented more than just a degree. It was about setting a precedent and forging a brighter future for herself and her family.

Bell, who traveled from Anaheim, California, to New Hampshire for the commencement ceremony, described it as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." She felt it was crucial to attend in person. "I needed to walk (at Commencement) because I don't know that I'll ever get the chance to do this again," Bell said. "So, for me, it was very important to take the opportunity and spend the time here."

Arriving at Commencement and being surrounded by fellow graduates brought a profound sense of accomplishment for Bell. "I feel different now," she said. "When I first got my degree, I didn't feel any change, but I feel accomplished, and I feel like I did it.”

The in-person ceremony also fostered a strong connection with her peers. "We're all part of this small group of people, like a community,” she said. “We can all relate to each other."

Bell's primary goal in pursuing her degree was to create a better future for herself and her family, and the Disney Aspire tuition reimbursement program was instrumental in making this a reality. She chose SNHU not only because it was an option provided by her employer but also because "out of all the options I had, they sounded more in line with what I needed and my goals and how I was going to complete them," she said. Her tuition was 100% covered through the program.

Reflecting on her time at SNHU, Bell emphasized the flexibility and support she received. "I feel way more comfortable," she said. "I feel like I set my own pace. I set my own expectations and goals, and everybody here at SNHU helped me achieve those goals."

When asked if her educational journey was worth it, Bell said, "It was worth it. It was so worth it."

Bell believes her achievement is already inspiring her family. "I think I’m setting a precedent for my other family members that we can do it," she said. "Everything that we’ve gone through in our lives doesn’t set us back from getting our degree and moving forward. My family is so happy. I am so happy that I did it because everyone else feels so inspired, and I feel good about it."

For others considering enrolling in a degree program, Bell offers a message of encouragement: "You can do it. You're going to have the people and you're going to have a support group to do it, so do it."

Steven White is a copywriter and general education instructor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). He earned his bachelor’s in English at West Virginia Wesleyan College and a master’s in higher education and student affairs from Virginia Tech. Then, he spent the next few years working in student support resources, ranging from career advising to international student services. Having enjoyed the branding and creative elements of his work, he transitioned to the field of marketing full-time at SNHU.

In his free time, White enjoys writing fiction, exploring the Appalachian Mountains he calls home and being a cat dad. Connect with him on LinkedIn.