A Community Called Home

hen Ezra arrived in Manchester, New Hampshire, as a New American in 2016, nearly everything felt unfamiliar. The language, the culture, and the rhythm of daily life were all new. What grounded him was community, starting with a shared love of soccer and a welcoming city.

Through a local soccer club, Ezra and his siblings were introduced to Inti Academy, whose afterschool program is now part of the SNHU Center for New Americans’ Amiko Youth Program. The program became a constant throughout his middle and high school years, offering academic support, English-language learning, and, most importantly, a sense of belonging.

“Because of the love I had for the program, I continued to go,” Ezra said. “Just not being at home all the time felt very comforting to me.”

That sense of care inspired Ezra to give back. As he grew older, he took on leadership and paid roles supporting younger students by helping with homework, refereeing soccer games, and stepping in wherever he was needed. Along the way, he built lasting relationships with SNHU staff who would later reappear in a new chapter of his life.

When it came time to choose a college, SNHU felt like a natural fit. Already connected through the Center for New Americans, Ezra visited campus and immediately felt at home.

“I thought, ‘I could totally see myself here,’” he said. “The people are so amazing; everything just aligns.”

Now a sophomore, Ezra is deeply involved with The Chandler Center, volunteering across Greater Manchester and reconnecting with mentors who once supported him as a student himself. Through donor-funded scholarships, alumni generosity, and hands-on service opportunities, Ezra has experienced SNHU as a community that invests in people.

“I realized that SNHU is not just a university,” Ezra said. “It’s a university that pours into the community and grows alongside it.”

Inspired by the generosity he’s received, Ezra is committed to paying it forward.

“It gives me hope because it shows there is a lot of love in the world,” he said. “Yes, the world is broken, but there are still people willing to help.”

For Ezra, SNHU isn’t just where he’s earning a degree. It’s where he belongs and where generosity continues to change what’s possible.