How Psychology Grad Amanda Saldana Found Community as an Online Student

When Amanda Saldana ’24 began her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), she was shy and unsure about what opportunities she’d have to connect with others. “I was very to myself,” she said. “Being online, I didn’t know what I know now.”

About halfway through her program, Saldana said she discovered how to get involved as an online student through SNHU's student community. “I ended up joining the clubs online,” she said. “I then became vice president of the psychology club, and then president until I graduated.”

During her time with the psychology club, she organized events and collaborated with other online student organizations. And her involvement only grew from there.

“As a student, I was also (able) to gain research experience,” said Saldana. That research included a collaboration with Dr. Peter Frost, a psychology professor at SNHU, and two other students on a project called “Following Conspiracy Theories: Implications for Mindset and Mental Health.” The group presented their findings at the New England Psychological Association conference in October 2024.

From Student to Alum

After graduating, Saldana stayed involved with SNHU as an alum. So far, her work has included mentoring students, presenting at events and contributing to academic and community-based projects.

For example, she held a leadership role in the Social Sciences Pre-Professional Student Experience for Black History Month (BHM), where she led two e-magazine projects called “The Power of Music: How Black Artists Shaped the Psychology of Sound and Identity” and “Important Places in African American History.”

Saldana said the role strengthened her communication and leadership skills and allowed her to apply what she learned academically. “The experience I gained with the BHM projects reminded me how collaboration and continual learning can inspire personal growth,” she said.

She encouraged online learners not to underestimate what’s possible beyond coursework. “I would recommend joining a club through SNHUconnect (SNHU's online student portal) because it allows students to connect with others who share similar interests, build teamwork and leadership skills,” she said. “It is a great way to make connections while being an online student, having an experience of being involved even though attending college online.”

Describing her time at SNHU in one word, Saldana said, “Amazing.”

Rebecca Cahill is a content marketing assistant and writer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). She is completing her bachelor’s in creative writing and English and plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Based in Ohio, she also writes for FreshWater Cleveland and serves on the board of Literary Cleveland. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her with a good book, dogs at her side, and surrounded by way too many houseplants. Connect with her on LinkedIn.