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When COVID-19 struck in 2020, Alyssa Mcmenemy '23 was at a crossroads.

"I'm a dance teacher and we are not essential workers, so I wanted to have a backup plan," she said. That's when Mcmenemy decided to return to school and earn her bachelor's in environmental science with a concentration in conservation and natural resources at Õ¬ÄÐƵµÀ (SNHU).

Her path to higher education was not entirely traditional, as she was homeschooled throughout her life. She initially chose not to attend college and instead pursued a professional dance career. But as she continued to grow her family, her priorities began to shift. Mcmenemy attributes much of her drive to her role as a mother.

"I have three kids and another one on the way and so it's amazing to prove to myself especially and to show my kids that you can do this at any age," Mcmenemy said.

It was an emotional moment when she was able to finally submit her last assignment. "It was surreal," she said. "It took a minute to have it settle in and then I cried. Honestly, I was so happy that I could prove to myself that I could actually do it."

Her hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. Because of her academic achievements, she earned an invitation to join the SNHU National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS), an honor society that helps students develop their leadership skills.

For Mcmenemy, the pandemic was not just a disruption — it became a catalyst for transformation. Armed with her degree in environmental science, she said her ultimate goal is to become an environmental or conservation officer in New Hampshire. 

Shaunna Redman ’24G is a writer and current Õ¬ÄÐƵµÀ (SNHU) student. She’s pursuing her master’s in English and creative writing and is passionate about crafting meaningful stories. In her spare time, you can find her relaxing with her nose in a fantasy novel or playing video games with her husband while having a cat on her lap.