Campus News

From Uncertainty to Prospect: Elaina Saladino’s Transfer Journey to UNH‌ Manchester

Elaina Saladino began pursuing ⁤her bachelor’s degree at UNH Manchester in 2024, choosing ⁣to major in ASL/English Interpreting with an anticipated graduation year of 2028.Her ‍decision to transfer⁤ was driven by a combination of personal‌ interest adn⁢ accessible support systems.

“I chose UNH Manchester ‍for the small and intimate classes, easy connection to faculty and resources, in-state tuition⁣ as well as⁤ grants⁢ and scholarships, and ‍of course the ASL/English Interpreting ‍program,” Elaina explained. A meeting ‍with the program director​ in fall 2024‌ solidified her choice. “Between [the director’s] welcoming and encouraging demeanor about the program and my financial aid offer I had no ⁣choice but to​ switch.”

Financial assistance ⁣played a key role in making the transition possible. Elaina was awarded⁣ the Merrimack valley Scholarship, the Wildcat Family Award, ​and⁣ an additional tuition grant, ⁤ensuring both affordability and empowerment in her educational ‌pursuit.

UNH Manchester’s ASL/English‌ Interpreting⁣ program fosters a close-knit community focused on practical experience. Elaina emphasized the program’s‌ encouragement of engagement ‍with the Deaf community. “Thru ​the ASL/English Interpreting program, we ⁤do have required hours​ to spend with the community, but⁢ you’re‍ also encouraged to go above that and spend as much‍ time ‌as you can‍ using and observing ASL especially with‍ the Deaf⁢ community. ⁣These interactions and events are such great opportunities to grow, learn, and create new relationships.”

Despite changing ⁣her major​ from marketing, Elaina continues⁢ to utilize ⁤her previous skillset.She currently works as a peer advisor in the academic advising office, assisting fellow students and applying her marketing knowledge to outreach efforts.

“This is a very rewarding job because in addition to being there for students⁢ and helping shape some elements ‌of their first-year experience, you also get to explore the⁣ marketing and social media side of advising. I get to see my work go out on social media, bulletin boards, and TV⁤ slides which‌ as‍ a previous marketing major is very rewarding.”

UNH Manchester actively supports transfer students, offering the ability to transfer up to 72 credits from community‍ colleges or 96 credits ⁢ from ‌four-year schools. Additional resources‌ include‌ dedicated ‍academic advising, transfer-specific‌ scholarships ‌and financial aid, the Millyard Advantage – providing internships, research,‍ and career connections within Manchester’s ‌innovation district – and supportive​ programs like the transfer Seminar‍ and peer advising.

For⁤ students considering a ‌transfer, UNH⁢ Manchester provides⁤ a streamlined⁤ and supportive pathway to a career-focused degree. Further information about transfer opportunities and⁢ resources can be found at https://manchester.unh.edu/admissions/transfer-students, and details about⁣ the ASL/English‍ Interpreting program are available at https://manchester.unh.edu/.