Rooted in Purpose

or William Gorman, Class of 2026, two passions have remained constant throughout his life: a love of nature and a commitment to lifelong learning. That interest began in high school and grew into more than a decade of researching native plants across the Northeast. In his hometown of Ballston Spa, New York, Gorman has supported the local ecosystem by planting thousands of native species and removing invasive plants.

Through SNHU’s online programs, Gorman has been able to pursue those passions while working full-time. He is studying environmental science and conservation, subjects that have fascinated him since his teenage years. As an online learner, he was surprised by how connected he felt to the SNHU community. Weekly discussion boards became something he genuinely looked forward to, offering a space to exchange ideas, learn from classmates across the country, and stay curious alongside other students.

“It’s a vast community,” he said. “There are so many opportunities to connect if you take the time to look.”

Those connections became essential after Gorman suffered a severe snowboarding injury that left him disabled and reliant on a walker. Over the next year and a half, he navigated treatments, medical appointments, and several misdiagnoses. Because of mobility challenges, he had to leave his job as a Parks and Recreation supervisor. Unable to work, his mental health declined as financial pressures mounted and he eventually lost his car.

“Everything hit all at once,” Gorman said. “I felt like all I really had was school. SNHU helped me pull through.”

Support from instructors, his academic advisor, and the Online Accessibility Center helped him persist through demanding coursework. In a field methods class requiring outdoor data collection, instructors worked closely with him to adjust deadlines and expectations while he managed his mobility limitations.

“[Learning] gave me a purpose,” Gorman said.

That purpose extended beyond the screen when Gorman led a Global Days of Service project in spring 2025. Volunteers gathered at Woods Hollow Nature Preserve in Ballston Spa, New York to collect data and protect the local habitat, and made new discoveries like a patch of the wild lupine flower, an essential plant for the endangered Karner blue butterfly. Today, Gorman’s health continues to improve, and he plans to lead another Global Days of Service project in spring 2026, focused on conservation education.

Global Days of Service 2026 takes place throughout March and April.

Visit alumni.snhu.edu/serve to get involved!